Zelenskyy: Starlink Speed Restrictions in Ukraine Still in Force

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on 23 October that speed restrictions on Starlink and Starshield satellite communications terminals remain in force in Ukraine, where they are also used on the front line. He spoke during an online meeting at the Hudson Institute, a US research center, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine. The issue matters because communications quality affects how the Ukrainian military operates during the war.

Restrictions and interceptors

Zelenskyy said the speed has not been restored. He also noted that deliveries of interceptors, meant to protect Ukraine against Russian ballistic missiles, are still delayed. According to the president, the interceptors had already been agreed on but have not arrived; he said he hoped they were on their way. He called this a real problem because Russia attacks almost every day and carries out massive strikes.

The president stressed that this is happening while Ukraine continues successful operations on the front line.

Relations with the US

Zelenskyy said he wants relations with the United States and all other partners to be as strong as possible. In his words, without a strong America that cares about what happens in the world, the world would definitely be a worse place. He also explained that Ukraine now speaks more openly directly to the world because it wants people, societies and nations to understand it. When people understand what is really going on, he said, political leaders can take a stronger path that could bring peace closer.

Earlier developments

The Wall Street Journal, citing US and Ukrainian officials, reported that US President Donald Trump called Elon Musk and asked him to lift restrictions on the military version of Starlink in Ukraine. On the evening of 22 October, Trump said Musk had lifted the speed restrictions but declined to say whether he had personally called him. Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, meanwhile, reported that it continues to record disruption to Starlink and Starshield services on the front line.