Zelenskyy says spoke to Rubio over Starlink, Starshield issues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested that the U.S. restore full functionality to the Starshield satellite system for battlefield communications. He also emphasized the urgent need for ballistic missile interceptors to defend against Russian attacks.
Why it matters
The reliance on private satellite infrastructure for military operations creates complex geopolitical dependencies and security risks for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy says spoke to Rubio over Starlink, Starshield issues left Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. File. AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/jxcxag/article71604156.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Belgium_Europe_Summit__93_5.jpg OMAR HAVANA Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a media conference at the EU summit in Brussels, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) Starshield, developed by tech titan Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is controlled and managed by the U.S. government; Ukraine also uses the civilian Starlink system but not for military purposes. Kyiv, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) said he had spoken to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and raised issues with the U.S. military satellite system Ukraine uses and missile delays. The Ukrainian leader, expected in Oslo for talks with U.S. envoys, said he told Rubio that “Starlink/Starshield needs to be restored” and that ballistic missile interceptors “are needed to protect lives”.
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