The Kremlin has issued a stark warning to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, condemning any potential move to allow his Starlink satellite network to be used for Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory.
In an interview on Sunday with the Russian media outlet Vesti, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov delivered a direct message regarding the SpaceX chief executive's satellite network. He stressed that Moscow possesses the technological and military capabilities necessary to ensure its own security and would view such an escalation severely.
Kremlin spokesman issues direct warning
“As for the provision of (Elon) Musk's satellite systems for carrying out strikes deep inside Russia, that would be a very detrimental, potentially dangerous and reckless step,” Mr Peskov said.
The sharp rhetoric from Moscow comes in response to mounting international pressure on Musk to loosen geographical restrictions on Starlink's military use. On Thursday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb publicly called on Musk to expand Starlink's operational coverage, specifically to enable Ukrainian forces to conduct targeted strikes against Russian ballistic missile launchers located well within Russian borders.
Starlink's role in the conflict
Since the outbreak of the war, Starlink has been a vital lifeline for Ukrainian battlefield communications and drone operations, but its use for offensive strikes into Russian territory has remained a heavily contested and sensitive issue.
During the same interview, Mr Peskov also touched upon broader geopolitical matters, noting that relations with the US remain "not in the best shape." He added that no final decision has been made on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the upcoming G20 summit, but insisted that "in any case, Russia will actively participate in the work of the G20."
Musk's past stance on Starlink's use
Shortly after the invasion began, a Ukrainian government official publicly requested help on X (formerly Twitter). Musk responded quickly, stating: "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route".
As the war progressed and Ukraine began using Starlink to pilot explosive drone boats, Musk expressed discomfort with how his civilian technology was being utilized. In an interview for his biography by Walter Isaacson, Musk rhetorically asked, "How am I in this war?" and stated: "Starlink was not meant to be involved in wars. It was so people can watch Netflix and chill and get online for school and do good peaceful things, not drone strikes".
Ukraine has recently pushed to expand Starlink coverage to target Russian ballistic missile launchers inside Russian territory. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Musk has opposed this so far, arguing that using the network for strikes inside Russia "constitutes an escalation".
