Finland Urges Elon Musk to Expand Starlink Access for Ukraine Over Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has urged SpaceX chief Elon Musk to expand Starlink satellite internet coverage for Ukraine into areas of Russian territory, arguing that the additional access could help Kyiv locate and target Russian ballistic missile launch sites.

Ukraine has been heavily dependent on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. However, the satellite service does not currently operate over Russian territory, limiting its use for Ukrainian forces seeking to track missile launchers located across the border.

Kyiv Seeks More Help Against Missile Attacks

Stubb said Ukraine is facing a serious shortage of air-defence capabilities as Russian forces continue using ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets. He argued that expanding Starlink coverage could provide an additional tool for identifying launch sites and potentially help protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

The Finnish president said Ukraine's priorities ahead of the winter include stronger air defences, protection of energy infrastructure and increased financial support. He also expressed concern that the war could continue into the winter months.

Starlink has become an important part of Ukraine's military communications network. Ukrainian forces also use the system in connection with drone operations, making continued satellite connectivity an important element of Kyiv's battlefield capabilities.

Musk Previously Rejected Wider Coverage

The request comes after Ukrainian officials have previously sought permission for Starlink to function in Russian territory. Reports have said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised the issue with US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House in July and asked him to approach Musk about expanding access.

Musk has previously resisted allowing Ukrainian forces to use Starlink for operations inside Russia.

The issue has become particularly important as Ukraine faces continued Russian missile and drone attacks and seeks additional ways to improve its ability to detect threats before they reach Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine Also Seeks Investment for Reconstruction

Separately, Zelenskyy met senior Wall Street executives in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly as Kyiv seeks international investment to support its economy and reconstruction.

The discussions focused on helping Ukraine prepare for the winter and maintaining economic activity as Russian strikes continue to damage infrastructure and important industries. More than two dozen US companies participated in the meeting, which was facilitated by Citigroup and the US Chamber of Commerce.

Warning of Possible Russian Action Against NATO

The developments came as Denmark's defence intelligence service warned that Russia could potentially launch a limited military action against a NATO country in the coming months.

The assessment described the risk as low but increasing and cited possible Russian long-range strikes against NATO infrastructure supporting Ukraine or a limited incursion involving a small number of troops. The warning followed a fire at a Starlink satellite station in central Poland that local authorities described as possible sabotage.

With winter approaching, Kyiv is seeking additional air-defence systems, energy support and financial assistance while its allies continue diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war. The request for expanded Starlink coverage adds another dimension to Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its ability to respond to Russian missile attacks.