Budanov Wants to Expand Starlink to Counter Russian Missiles

Ukraine wants to gain broader access to Starlink and Starshield capabilities, particularly expanded coverage, to counter Russian missile systems. According to him, Ukraine’s current access to these technologies is insufficient.

Ukraine is interested in expanding the capabilities of the Starlink and Starshield satellite systems. In particular, Kyiv wants to obtain greater coverage, which, according to the head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, could help counter Russian missile systems. Western media outlets have also reported separately on this need of Ukraine’s. According to The Guardian, Ukraine believes that expanding Starlink coverage over Russian territory could help in the fight against the launchers from which Russia fires ballistic missiles.

According to Budanov, Ukraine needs more than just satellite internet. He is referring to broader technological capabilities that can be used by the Ukrainian military. “We desperately need these capabilities to repel and strike Russian missile systems from which missiles are launched that terrorize Ukraine’s civilian population,” Budanov stated.

He emphasized that the access Ukraine currently has is insufficient. “As of now, the access we have is not enough. We need expanded capabilities—we need more coverage,” said the head of the Office of the President.

What Exactly Does Ukraine Want?

According to Budanov, one of the main needs is to expand the coverage area . This should broaden Ukraine’s capabilities to use satellite technologies beyond the territory where Starlink is already available in the required mode. The Guardian previously reported that Ukraine is interested in having Starlink operate over a wider area, particularly over Russian territory. Kyiv sees this as a way to better detect and target missile launchers used to attack Ukraine.

At the same time, it is important not to confuse Starlink and Starshield. Starlink is a satellite communication and internet access system. SpaceX positions Starshield as a secure satellite network for government and national security missions. Among its capabilities, the company lists secure communications, Earth observation, and the operation of specialized equipment.

Starlink is already being used in Ukraine

Starlink has been operating in Ukraine since the early months of the full-scale war. Satellite communications are used, in particular, to provide connectivity in areas where conventional infrastructure has been damaged or is unavailable. At the same time, additional security regulations will apply to Starlink’s operations in Ukraine starting in 2026. SpaceX reports that all terminals on Ukrainian territory must be authorized under a special government list.

Separately, satellite technologies are used in the military sphere. However, the specific capabilities and operational areas of such systems may depend on technical and security restrictions.

Russia continues to attack Ukraine with ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as long-range drones. Budanov previously stated that Ukraine is simultaneously working to strengthen its air defense, electronic warfare, and other means of protection. In September, he also said that long-range strikes alone cannot win the war, but they remain one of the tools for influencing the enemy. According to him, they must be combined with other military capabilities.

Therefore, he views the expansion of access to satellite technologies, as mentioned by Budanov, as part of a broader system to counter Russian strikes.

Currently, the discussion centers specifically on Ukraine’s request to expand the capabilities of Starlink and Starshield . Budanov’s statement did not mention a decision that had already been made regarding such an expansion or specific new dates for its launch. Budanov discussed this in an interview with NewsForce.