World
Stubb asks Musk to enable Starlink inside Russia for missile strikes
Finnish President Alexander Stubb urges Elon Musk to expand Starlink coverage into Russian territory, enabling Ukrainian forces to target ballistic missile launchers.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has appealed to SpaceX owner Elon Musk to extend the reach of Starlink satellite internet service within Ukraine. The request aims to allow Ukrainian troops to use the network to strike Russian ballistic missile launchers located on Russian soil.
Strategic rationale for expansion
Stubb stated that Ukraine faces a severe shortage of air defense systems as winter approaches, coinciding with intensified Russian ballistic missile usage. He argued that activating Starlink in regions containing these launchers would assist Kyiv in locating and targeting them. According to Reuters, the Finnish leader emphasized that this measure could save lives by enabling strategic operations against launch sites in both occupied Ukrainian territories and inside Russia.
The president’s appeal comes amid his status as a prominent ally of Ukraine and his good relations with US President Donald Trump. Stubb made these remarks in New York while world leaders gathered for the United Nations General Assembly sessions.
Diplomatic efforts and ceasefire talks
During the same UN meetings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure and Black Sea vessels. Russia showed no public indication of willingness to agree to such arrangements, according to the agency. Stubb welcomed the resumption of US-led negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in August, following visits by American envoys to both capitals.
From his perspective, the simplest solution involves calling for an unconditional ceasefire to halt fighting and casualties. Subsequent negotiations should address security, territorial issues, reconstruction, and compensation, among other topics.
Winter preparedness challenges
More than four years after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Kyiv fears systematic targeting of electricity and heating facilities during winter. Russian ballistic missile use reached record levels over the summer, while Ukraine struggles with significant shortages of ammunition for air defense systems capable of intercepting these projectiles.
American Patriot systems remain the only air defense assets Ukraine can use to intercept ballistic missiles. However, available ammunition stocks have declined sharply, and the timeline for new supplies remains unclear. Stubb outlined three key requirements for Ukraine ahead of winter: strengthening air defenses, securing energy facilities, and ensuring funding. His country is preparing a winter support package, though he does not expect the war to end before the season begins.
Starlink operational history
Musk activated Starlink in Ukraine shortly after the 2022 invasion began. Since then, the service has become essential for Ukrainian military communications and drone operations. Currently, Starlink does not function over Russian territory. Ukrainian officials believe enabling the service for use inside Russia could allow strikes on mobile ballistic missile launchers situated hundreds of kilometers from the border.
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