Elon Musk has refused a Ukrainian request to use the Starlink satellite network to guide strikes against Russian missile launchers, according to a report by The Atlantic citing sources close to former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The billionaire, who has described Starlink as the "backbone of the Ukrainian army," continues to argue that such use risks further escalation and "keeps saying that it is time to make a deal," one source said. No positive decision has been reached.

The request was made personally by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting with Donald Trump, who promised to consider intervening with Musk, The Atlantic reported in late July. Zelensky argued that expanded Starlink access would allow Ukraine to destroy Russian launch sites with drones before ballistic missiles are fired, reducing dependence on scarce Patriot interceptors ahead of expected attacks on the energy grid this winter. Musk declined to meet Zelensky.

The urgency reflects a severe interceptor shortage. According to figures reported by the Spanish daily El Mundo, Ukrainian forces intercepted only 29 of 195 Russian ballistic missiles in July and just one of 55 in the two most recent August attacks. Fedorov has said Ukraine receives fewer Patriot interceptors in a month than Russia launches in a week. In response, Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will accelerate production of its own anti-ballistic missiles and launchers under the European Freya project, aiming for concrete results by the end of 2026-2027, with partners supplying radar, sensors and other critical components.

The refusal comes as the Trump administration has declined to supply additional Patriot interceptors. Trump told Zelensky he could not deliver the missiles, saying "we need missiles too" and citing roughly $300 billion in prior US arms aid, though he denied any shortage, claiming Washington holds "literally enormous quantities of ammunition."

As of now, no positive decision on the Starlink request has been made, and Musk continues to repeat that it is time to conclude a deal. Ukraine's own missile production, announced under the Freya project, is not expected to yield results before the end of 2026-2027, leaving Kyiv dependent on allied supplies and intelligence in the interim.