Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that President Donald Trump accused him of deception regarding negotiations with Elon Musk over the military use of Starlink against Russian forces. This incident underscores a new tension in diplomatic relations between the two leaders. Efforts to maintain internet communications on the battlefield are crucial for Ukrainian forces, who heavily rely on Starlink terminals. These terminals enable piloting their expansive drone fleets, pivotal in Kyiv’s intensified drone strike campaign targeting Russian oil infrastructure and warehouses, including Wildberries, a major online retailer. Such actions aim to bring the war’s impact closer to Moscow.

Dispute Over Starlink Access and U.S. Communications

According to reports from Ukrainian media, Zelensky stated he was informed by the Ukrainian defense ministry that Musk’s SpaceX conditionally agreed to let Ukraine use Starlink over Russian territory for long-range operations. This agreement was pending further approval. Zelensky reported communicating with Trump that Musk provided a provisional approval. However, Trump later asserted that Musk refused permission for these operations. Consequently, Trump accused Zelensky of misleading him. Zelensky recounted Trump’s words saying, “He said that I had supposedly deceived him because Musk had denied Ukraine the use of Starlink on Russian territory.” Upon consulting the defense ministry, Zelensky acknowledged there might have been miscommunications.

Zelensky made these remarks during a private session with reporters on Saturday, with the transcript made public on Sunday.

Political Fallout and Leadership Shakeup

The situation arises amidst growing tensions surrounding Zelensky and the resignation of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov’s departure last month prompted protests nationwide. Though invited to rejoin the government, Fedorov declined and advocated for presidential elections, opposing the constitutional suspension under martial law. This event marks a significant internal challenge for Zelensky’s leadership since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. While Zelensky avoided directly accusing Fedorov of dishonesty, he indicated the Starlink miscommunication contributed to “some of the steps” taken. Negotiations between Kyiv and the U.S. regarding Starlink’s use over Russia continue.

SpaceX was contacted by Newsweek for further comments.

Technical Hurdles and Frontline Dynamics

Reports from The Financial Times on Friday disclosed that Ukraine is seeking authorization to utilize Starlink-equipped drones against Russian missile launchers up to 200 kilometers inside Russian borders. Fedorov confirmed his resignation in July, citing his achievement in restricting Russian Starlink access, thereby impairing Moscow’s drone capabilities. Despite SpaceX’s assertion that it does not provide Starlink services to Russian forces, Ukrainian intelligence noted a widespread adoption of terminals by Russian troops by early 2024. Conversely, Russian military bloggers reported in 2025 that Russian troops began losing access to Starlink in some territories.

Fedorov, who initially petitioned Musk for Starlink terminals at the conflict’s outset, which led to Musk prompting service activation across Ukraine, is expected to visit the United States. According to Reuters, he might meet Musk, although no meeting is officially confirmed.

For additional information, Newsweek editors Daniel Orton and Anthony Murray can be contacted.