President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that restrictions on Starlink satellite connectivity at high speeds apply exclusively within Ukraine. According to him, Ukrainian officials conducted tests in European Union countries that showed the terminals continued operating without similar restrictions.
Interfax-Ukraine reported the remarks, made by the president during a meeting with journalists on October 17.
Zelenskyy explained that Starlink satellite terminals in Ukraine stop working once they reach a certain travel speed. This creates problems for the operation of drones, including those used to defend against Russian attacks.
“The maximum speed today is 161 km/h. Beyond that, according to the reports I have seen, Starlink shuts down completely, and we lose the drone,” the president said.
He said Ukrainian officials decided to investigate whether the restrictions were caused by technical problems at SpaceX or were the result of deliberate action.
To test this, several vehicles equipped with Starlink terminals were sent to European Union countries. During the trials, the vehicles traveled at speeds exceeding 180 km/h on roads where such speeds were permitted.
The satellite connections remained operational.
“We have the relevant recordings, we have the evidence. The conclusion is this: the restrictions apply in Ukraine, but they do not apply in European Union countries. This means it is a planned operation,” Zelenskyy stressed.
The president did not specify who had made the decision to impose the restrictions.
Europe begins looking for alternatives to Starlink
According to Zelenskyy, the restrictions on Starlink’s operation at high speeds have raised concerns not only in Ukraine but also among European partners.
The president said EU countries had recognized the risks of relying on American satellite infrastructure, access to which could be restricted regardless of existing agreements and contracts.
“All of Europe has seen that the United States can impose restrictions regardless of agreements and contracts. It can limit Starlink’s operating speed, which is a matter of security, because you rely on it,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, European countries are already working on alternative satellite communications systems.
However, the president did not identify specific countries, companies or projects involved in these developments.
“And they will succeed in this area. I can already see that,” he added.
Ukrainian aircraft intercept up to 60% of jet-powered Shahed drones
Zelenskyy also discussed Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian jet-powered attack drones.
According to the president, Ukrainian aircraft currently account for 55–60% of all intercepted jet-powered Shahed drones.
To improve interception capabilities, Ukraine is increasing supplies of 20 mm ammunition for F-16 fighter jets.
Zelenskyy said agreements with international partners had already been reached and that substantial quantities of the necessary ammunition were being delivered.
Ukraine is also expecting new low-cost missiles designed to intercept aerial targets. Some of these systems are being developed by international partners, while others are already being manufactured domestically.
Another area of development involves automated turret systems designed to counter drones.
“We have started producing them, and these are no longer isolated examples. We are already talking about dozens, and we will scale up production,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy expects further easing of US sanctions on Russia
During his remarks to journalists, the president also expressed concern that the United States would continue easing sanctions pressure on Russia.
In his view, agreements involving Russian diesel fuel could be only the first step.
“Unfortunately, the lifting of sanctions will continue. I believe the diesel deal is the first step,” Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that such decisions would not help end Russian aggression and could instead be interpreted by Vladimir Putin as a sign of support.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president expressed hope that Donald Trump would work to stop Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and bring the war to an end.
Ukraine and US may hold another meeting next week
Zelenskyy also said another meeting between Ukrainian and American representatives on ending the war could take place next week.
According to him, Washington has already indicated that such a meeting is possible.
“There is a possibility next week. The American side has signaled to us that we may have a meeting with them,” the president said.
Ukraine is prepared to hold talks in the United States, Europe or on its own territory, and is open to different negotiating formats.
Zelenskyy emphasized, however, that Kyiv expects Washington to increase pressure on Russia rather than Ukraine.
“We expect them to put more pressure on Putin, not on us. Otherwise, it is simply unfair,” he said.
