However, according to the billionaire, the final decision should be made by Washington.
The publication reported on this conversation in an article about M. Fedorov’s trip to the US, where he went to seek investors to create a defense technology fund. According to M. Fedorov, the fund will create its own companies and also invest in existing Ukrainian startups that develop technologies to fight Russia.
White House approval needed
When the conversation between E. Musk and M. Fedorov took place is not specified. Sources said that E. Musk told M. Fedorov that the decision on the use of Starlink for strikes against Russia is political in nature and should be made at the White House.
M. Fedorov declined to comment on his talks with E. Musk. He also did not respond whether he plans to meet with E. Musk during his trip to the US.
According to M. Fedorov, permission for Ukraine to use Starlink-equipped drones for strikes inside Russia should have a serious impact on the course of the war.
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E. Musk and SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment.
Why they seek such permission
Kyiv is seeking E. Musk’s permission to use Starlink for attacks on infrastructure intended for launching ballistic missiles up to 200 km deep into Russia, Financial Times previously reported. Six Russian regional centers could be within the strike zone.
Starlink-equipped drones have become the main weapon of Ukraine’s medium-range strike campaign in occupied territories. Since the beginning of the year, more than 250 units of Russian equipment have been damaged or destroyed there, including air defense systems, electronic warfare devices, and radars, wrote French OSINT analyst Clement Molinas.
Most stationary radars in Crimea have already been attacked, as well as dozens of air defense systems in the southern and eastern parts of occupied Ukraine, he clarified.
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