The shortage of Patriots is forcing Kiev to take a radical step: Zelensky is waiting for a response from the richest man in the world.

President Volodimir Zelenski has sought assistance from Elon Musk, but faces challenges due to the replacement of his former ally in Silicon Valley. Ukraine is requesting approval to use drones equipped with Starlink technology to strike Russian ballistic missile launchers located up to 200 kilometers inside Russia. This move comes amid severe shortages of radar systems for air defense, according to sources familiar with the situation cited by the Financial Times. The request would require Musk’s consent, whose stance toward Ukraine and its use of his satellite internet service has fluctuated over time. An additional obstacle is the recent dismissal of Mihailo Fedorov, a former Ukrainian Defense Minister who had direct ties with Musk. The Ukrainian request arrives during a period of intensifying Russian attacks, particularly involving ballistic missiles and drones. These weapons pose the greatest challenge, and Kyiv lacks sufficient radar systems capable of intercepting them. The Patriot system is currently the only one that reliably neutralizes such threats, yet supplies have been severely limited. The global shortage of American-made missiles has worsened due to their use in conflicts such as the U.S.-Iran war, making it even harder for Kyiv to secure enough equipment. According to Franz-Stefan Gady, a military analyst based in Vienna, even under the best-case scenario, Ukraine may not receive enough radar systems in time to maintain its current air defense strategy. Russia has increased production of both missiles and drones, which means Kyiv will need hundreds more Patriot systems to sustain operations through the end of the year. In response, Kyiv is seeking alternative solutions, including permission to deploy Starlink-equipped drones beyond its borders. Such drones utilize SpaceX's satellite network to maintain stable communication links over greater distances than conventional radio systems, while being less vulnerable to signal interference. They have already proven effective within Ukraine, and analysts suggest they could play a crucial role in targeting Russian missile launch sites, command centers, and other strategic assets located near the border. During a meeting with President Donald Trump in July, Zelenski requested that Trump facilitate discussions with Musk regarding the use of Starlink outside Ukrainian territory for strikes against Russian missile launchers. Sources present at the White House meeting confirmed this request. Zelenski aimed to extend the range of Ukrainian drone operations into Russian territory, up to 200 kilometers from the border. This would allow precision strikes on critical infrastructure, including missile silos, command systems, and logistics hubs. However, Trump did not take a clear position and showed no indication of supporting the proposal. Those present at the meeting believe Musk is unlikely to grant the necessary authorization. Musk has previously supported extensive Ukrainian use of Starlink for communications and defense purposes. His satellite internet service plays a vital role in coordinating military operations and enhancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial, maritime, and ground systems that are transforming battlefield tactics. Yet, he has consistently refused to permit Ukraine to use Starlink for offensive operations within Russia. In 2022, he suspended access to the service for Ukrainian forces operating near the occupied Crimea region, citing concerns that such actions might trigger a nuclear escalation. The situation has become more complicated following the dismissal of Fedorov, who had served as a key intermediary between Kyiv and Musk. His removal has disrupted the flow of information and coordination between the two sides. Despite these obstacles, Kyiv continues to explore all available options to counter the growing threat posed by Russian weaponry. The outcome of Musk’s potential decision will likely shape the future of Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range strikes and defend itself against increasingly sophisticated Russian attacks.