The American publication The Atlantic, citing three independent sources in Washington, has revealed details of closed-door negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The central issue of the meeting was Kyiv's request to allow the use of the Starlink satellite network to control long-range drones for strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Elon Musk refuses personal meeting
Before the visit to Washington at the end of July 2026, the Ukrainian delegation attempted to organize a direct dialogue with SpaceX head Elon Musk. The goal was to resolve technical and political disagreements arising from the use of communication technologies for military purposes. However, Musk declined, citing a busy schedule. During this period, the billionaire also holds the post of head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the new US administration.
Request to the US administration
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump took place at the White House without the presence of journalists. According to sources, the Ukrainian leader asked the American president to influence the leadership of SpaceX. The request concerns the removal of geofencing — artificial restrictions that the company has imposed on Starlink terminals. Currently, the system automatically blocks communication when terminals cross internationally recognized Russian borders.
Kyiv's strategic goal
According to the publication, Ukraine intends to use Starlink as the main communication channel for kamikaze drones. This is necessary to guide drones to strategic targets deep in the Russian rear, including airfields, oil depots, and military factories. Without lifting restrictions, conducting such operations is critically complicated.
White House position
Donald Trump listened to the arguments of the Ukrainian side but did not give immediate promises. The situation creates a complex dilemma for the administration: on the one hand, Trump advocates for freezing the conflict and blocking long-term military projects; on the other hand, he is forced to take into account Musk's position, who fears direct escalation between the US and Russia.
Experts note that the request was made against the backdrop of the successful Ukrainian naval operation "MoLoChKa". Over three weeks in July, Ukrainian surface drones struck more than 200 ships of the Russian shadow fleet in the Black and Azov Seas. Kyiv believes that lifting restrictions on satellite communications for aerial drones will paralyze Russian military aviation in border zones.
