AP reports Zelenskyy asked Trump to seek Musk's approval for Starlink use in strikes inside Russia.
Why it matters: The request underscores how a private U.S. company can still shape Ukraine's battlefield communications. It also puts Musk's control over Starlink back at the center of wartime policy.
- AP reported July 31 that Zelenskyy asked Trump to help secure Elon Musk's approval.
- The reported request was tied to Starlink use in strikes inside Russia.
- The ask came after Zelenskyy's July 28 White House meeting with Trump.
- Starlink's acceptable-use policy bars military activity except limited approved uses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked President Donald Trump to help Ukraine secure Elon Musk's approval to use Starlink in support of strikes inside Russia, AP reported on July 31. AP said the request followed Zelenskyy's July 28 White House meeting with Trump.
The Atlantic reported July 30, citing two officials, that Zelenskyy made the request in the context of drone strikes inside Russia. The publication said Zelenskyy told Trump, "I ask for your help in protecting Ukraine’s skies from Russian missiles." The Atlantic reported that exchange.
SpaceX's acceptable use policy says users may not engage in "military" activity, with limited exceptions for approved morale, welfare and recreation uses.
AP said Trump had not publicly responded to the request in the statements it reviewed. The report also said no formal SpaceX or Pentagon decision was confirmed publicly.
Yes, but: The reporting is based on AP and The Atlantic accounts, including unnamed officials, not a public confirmation from Trump, Musk or SpaceX.