Key facts
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb asked Elon Musk to allow Starlink use over Russian territory for Ukraine.
- Stubb believes Starlink over Russia would help Ukraine target ballistic missile launchers.
- Ukraine faces a severe shortage of air defenses ahead of winter.
- Starlink is currently active in Ukraine and used for battlefield communications and drone piloting.
- Stubb identified air defense, energy installations, and money as Ukraine's key needs for winter.
- US-led peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine restarted in August.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Thursday that he had appealed to SpaceX owner Elon Musk to enable the use of Starlink satellite internet over Russian territory to aid Ukraine's military efforts. Stubb's plea, made during an interview with Reuters in New York, comes as Ukraine faces a critical shortage of air defense systems and anticipates potential Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure during the winter.
Stubb explained that allowing Starlink coverage in areas within Russia or occupied Ukrainian territory where ballistic missile launchers are located could help Ukraine target these weapons, thereby saving lives. He noted that while Starlink is crucial for Ukraine's battlefield communications and drone operations, its use is currently restricted from Russian territory. Ukrainian officials believe that extending its coverage would enable strikes on mobile launchers situated within several hundred kilometers of the border.
Looking ahead to the winter months, Stubb highlighted three essential needs for Ukraine: air defense systems, energy installations, and financial assistance. He indicated that efforts are underway to assemble a "winter package" to address these requirements, as the conflict is unlikely to end before winter.
Additionally, Stubb commented on the recent resumption of US-led peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in August, mentioning that President Donald Trump had reiterated a call for an unconditional ceasefire.