Ukraine is looking to Elon Musk for help in resolving its growing vulnerability to Russian missile attacks, but the world’s richest man appears to be resisting entreaties.
Ukraine is seeking to make use of Musk’s Starlink network for an audacious new tactic. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government has reportedly approached Musk for permission to use the technology to target Russian missile launchers that are being used to strike Ukrainian cities. Such launchers are causing increasing damage and casualties as Kyiv’s interceptor stockpiles run low.
But the SpaceX and Tesla CEO is reluctant to approve the request, the Financial Times reported. Musk has allowed Ukraine to use the Starlink system – based on the largest constellation of satellites in space – on its own territory for purposes such as frontline communication and guiding drones.
But he is yet to give the green light for its use on Russian territory, having previously cited concerns over the potential for nuclear escalation.
It’s an impasse that reflects Musk’s mixed record of support for Ukraine during the war, and highlights the risks for Kyiv in depending on the mercurial billionaire.
