Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 31, 2026 —

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly enlisted the help of former U.S. President Donald Trump in an effort to gain permission from tech CEO Elon Musk to utilize the Starlink satellite internet service for Ukrainian strikes within Russian territory.

The request was made during a period when Zelenskyy was actively engaging with U.S. officials and lawmakers in Washington D.C. During his visit, the Ukrainian president also sought to discuss alternative air defense systems to supplement the U.S.-provided Patriot systems, which are currently in limited supply.

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Musk’s company SpaceX, has been a critical tool for Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. It has provided vital communication links for Ukrainian forces and civilians in areas where traditional internet infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

However, the use of Starlink for offensive operations, particularly for strikes inside Russia, has reportedly been restricted by SpaceX. President Zelenskyy’s outreach to Donald Trump suggests a strategic attempt to leverage personal connections and influence to navigate these restrictions.

The specifics of the discussions between Zelenskyy and Trump, including the timeline of the request and Trump’s response, were not immediately available. The report did not detail whether Trump has engaged with Elon Musk or SpaceX on this matter.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington also highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing need for advanced air defense capabilities. With the existing Patriot systems facing supply constraints, Ukrainian officials are reportedly exploring options for additional or alternative systems to counter aerial threats from Russia.

The dual focus on securing advanced communication capabilities for potential offensive operations and bolstering air defense underscores the persistent challenges Ukraine faces in its defense efforts.



Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.

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