Zelensky: Musk in Contact With Putin Since War’s Start
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that billionaire Elon Musk has maintained communication with Russian leader Vladimir Putin since the invasion began. Zelenskyy stated that Musk communicated with both Ukrainian and Russian leadership at the start of the war, though he did not specify the timing or content of those discussions. Furthermore, Zelenskyy disclosed that he repeatedly asked Donald Trump three or four times to lift restrictions on the Starshield satellite network so Ukrainian forces could target Russian ballistic missile launchers. Zelenskyy added that SpaceX failed to respond to contact attempts after imposing those operational restrictions.
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- ✓ President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Elon Musk has been in contact with Vladimir Putin since the start of the war.
- ✓ Zelenskyy stated he asked Donald Trump three or four times to lift Starshield restrictions so Ukraine could attack Russian ballistic missile launchers.
- ✓ Zelenskyy said SpaceX did not respond to contact attempts after placing restrictions on Starshield.
- ✓ Zelenskyy stated that Musk communicated with both him and Putin at the start of the invasion without disclosing details.
What changed
Ukrainian leadership publicly disclosed long-standing communication channels between Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin alongside details of restricted Starshield access.
Live updates
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Zelenskyy Says Elon Musk Has Been in Contact With Putin Since War Began
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that billionaire Elon Musk has maintained communication with Russian leader Vladimir Putin since the invasion began. Zelenskyy stated that Musk communicated with both Ukrainian and Russian leadership at the start of the war, though he did not specify the timing or content of those discussions. And Zelenskyy disclosed that he repeatedly asked Donald Trump three or four times to lift restrictions on the Starshield satellite network so Ukrainian forces could target Russian ballistic missile launchers. Zelenskyy added that SpaceX failed to respond to contact attempts after imposing those operational restrictions.
Why it matters
The revelations highlight tensions between Kyiv and commercial satellite providers over operational limitations that impact military strategy on the battlefield. Zelenskyy noted he doubts Musk acted alone regarding slowdowns affecting Ukraine. The ongoing friction over satellite access intersects with broader diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives, including upcoming discussions.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Elon Musk has been in contact with Vladimir Putin since the start of the war.
- Zelenskyy stated he asked Donald Trump three or four times to lift Starshield restrictions so Ukraine could attack Russian ballistic missile launchers.
- Zelenskyy said SpaceX did not respond to contact attempts after placing restrictions on Starshield.
- Zelenskyy stated that Musk communicated with both him and Putin at the start of the invasion without disclosing details.
Still unconfirmed
- Elon Musk acted alone in implementing the Starlink and Starshield slowdowns affecting Ukrainian operations.
What to watch next
- Any response from Elon Musk or SpaceX regarding the communication claims and satellite restrictions.
- Potential shifts in United States policy concerning Starshield restrictions for Ukrainian military operations.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.kyivpost.com — Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Saudi Arabia Turns To Iran Amid Houthi Strikes, Dealing Trump A Major Gulf Blow? - Times of India Videos
- www.newsweek.com — Correction policies and requests
- Kyiv Post — Zelensky: Musk in Contact With Putin Since War’s Start
- Euromaidan Press — Kill the archer, not the arrows: Ukraine asked Trump again and again to free Starshield against Russia’s ballistic launchers
- The Kyiv Independent — Zelensky pushes back against Musk, says Ukraine uses Starshield to defend itself
- Цензор.НЕТ — I asked Trump 3 or 4 times to lift Starshield restrictions so we could attack Russian ballistic missile launchers, - Zelenskyy
- Українські Національні Новини (УНН) — “I don’t know”: Zelenskyy answered whether Elon Musk wants Ukraine to win
- Hromadske — Zelenskyy says SpaceX did not respond to contact attempts after Starshield restrictions
- The Hill — Zelensky doubts Musk ‘acted alone’ in Ukraine Starlink slowdown
- www.kyivpost.com — Zelensky: Musk in Contact With Putin Since War’s Start
- kyivindependent.com — General Staff: Russia has lost 1,604,110 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
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