Finnish President Asks Musk to Expand Starlink to Enable Ukraine Strikes in Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has publicly called on Elon Musk to expand Starlink satellite coverage to territory within Russia, enabling Ukraine to conduct strikes against Russian ballistic missile launch sites. Speaking at the UN summit in New York on September 24, 2026, Stubb stated he was "pleading" with Musk to grant Ukraine access to Starlink in areas where missile launchers are positioned, both on occupied Ukrainian territory and inside Russia itself.

Starlink currently does not operate over Russian territory due to restrictions imposed by Musk. Ukrainian officials argue that expanded coverage would allow their armed forces to use satellite-connected weapons systems with greater precision against mobile launch platforms hundreds of kilometers from the border. Ukrainian sources indicate this capability could extend strike range up to 500 kilometers, potentially reaching deep into Russian territory. The timing of this request reflects Ukraine's acute concern about winter vulnerability, as Russian forces are expected to intensify attacks on energy and heating infrastructure during cold months.

Stubб identified three immediate Ukrainian priorities for winter: air defense capabilities (which expanded Starlink coverage could partially support), power generation equipment, and financial assistance. He expressed skepticism that the conflict would end before winter. The request to Musk is not new—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly sought such permission over recent months, including direct appeals to US President Donald Trump in July and following their meeting in September. According to reports, Trump recommended Zelensky contact Musk directly during their recent encounter.

Musk has previously stated that any decision to expand Starlink coverage into Russian territory requires approval from the White House, framing the issue as a geopolitical decision rather than purely a business matter. Earlier reports from August indicated Musk opposed the expansion as constituting serious escalation, though Ukrainian outlets reported subsequent signals suggesting potential openness to reconsideration. No formal announcement regarding coverage expansion has been made.