Trump leaves Starlink decision on Ukraine's Russia strikes to Musk
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said Ukraine would need to speak with billionaire Elon Musk to get permission to use Starlink terminals for strikes inside Russia, NEWSMAX journalist Nana Sajaia reported.
According to a Ukrainian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Ukraine raised the issue of using Starlink to strike targets inside Russia during its meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly.
"You have to talk to Elon about it," Trump replied, referring to Starlink's head.
The source also said that the bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump went "very good" and "was very positive." The Ukrainian side confirmed that it is ready for an energy truce with Russia.
In addition, NEWSMAX confirmed earlier media reports that Ukrainian negotiators will meet with representatives of the E3 countries (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) this evening (overnight on September 23, Kyiv time) to discuss "possible de-escalation efforts and ideas for Witkoff and Kushner," who would then speak with the Russian side.
Why Starlink is needed and what the US says
In recent months, Russia has carried out massive attacks on Ukraine using drones and especially ballistic missiles. To destroy ballistic missile launchers, particularly given Ukraine's shortage of air defense missiles, the country needs permission for the Ukrainian military to use Starlink, including on Russian territory.
In late August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had tried to reach an agreement with Trump and Musk on using Starlink inside Russia, but Musk ultimately refused.
Sources told The Atlantic why the billionaire refused. They said Musk believes there is a risk of further escalation of the war and that the time has already come to reach a peace agreement.
