On 16 October 2026, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responded to criticism from Donald Trump, who had claimed that it was more difficult to negotiate with the Ukrainian leader than with Vladimir Putin. During a press conference in Brussels, Zelenskyy emphasised that he was defending the interests of Ukraine and its citizens, as it was Russia that had initiated the aggression. The President also stated that the speed restrictions on Starlink satellite communications for the Defence Forces have not yet been fully lifted, although some capabilities are gradually being restored. Separately, he called on international partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems to protect its energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Whilst speaking to journalists following talks with European leaders in Brussels Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/strong> commented on the US President\u2019s remarks Donald Trump<\/strong> in relation to relationship problems<\/a> with Kyiv.<\/p>\n The day before, Trump stated in an interview with Newsmax that he found it more difficult to negotiate with Zelenskyy than with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US leader also criticised the resumption of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, describing such attacks as unacceptable due to their potential impact on global fuel prices.<\/p>\n In response, Zelenskyy emphasised that his main priority remains the defence of the Ukrainian state.<\/p>\n \u00abI am defending the interests of Ukraine and our people. We have been attacked, and we have the right to defend ourselves.\u00bb.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The President emphasised that Ukraine did not start the war and therefore has the right to counter Russian attacks and protect the civilian population. He stressed that Moscow is showing no willingness to bring about a genuine cessation of hostilities, as it continues to shell Ukrainian towns and energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n One of the main topics of the press conference was the situation regarding the Starlink satellite communication system, which the Ukrainian army uses for communications, reconnaissance and the control of unmanned systems.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy stated that following the introduction of restrictions by the company SpaceX<\/a> The Ukrainian military has lost some of its ability to deploy high-speed interceptor drones. According to him, the restrictions primarily affect the speed at which the terminals can maintain a stable connection whilst in motion. This is particularly critical for combating Russian jet-powered drones, which can reach speeds of hundreds of kilometres per hour.<\/p>\n The President explained that communications had not been completely cut off, but that the restrictions imposed had prevented some defence tasks from being carried out. The situation is now gradually improving.<\/p>\n \u00abHave the previous speed limits been reinstated? No. But are these restrictions being reintroduced now? Yes.\u00bb.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Zelenskyy noted that the Ministry of Defence is maintaining contact with its partners, and that the Ukrainian side has received indications that the system may be restored in the future. However, as of 16 October, Starlink\u2019s previous capabilities had not yet been fully restored for the Defence Forces.<\/p>\n The President specifically emphasised that Ukraine does not use Starlink for long-range attacks on Russian territory. According to him, satellite technology is needed primarily for defence purposes, in particular to intercept Russian jet-powered drones, maintain communications and carry out military operations at medium ranges.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian side had approached SpaceX with a request to expand the scope of use of the satellite system.<\/p>\n The President emphasised that the current restrictions have a direct impact on the protection of the population, as some interception systems require a stable, high-speed connection.<\/p>\n Ukraine is also working with European countries, notably France, to secure additional satellite capabilities. The European Union recognises that it is not currently possible to replace Starlink\u2019s military capabilities quickly and completely.<\/p>\n Another topic addressed by the Ukrainian president was the possibility of energy truce<\/a> between Ukraine and Russia.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared to consider diplomatic solutions aimed at bringing an end to attacks on energy facilities. However, Russia continues to shell Ukrainian power stations, substations, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.<\/p>\n According to the President, if international partners are unable to ensure compliance with the energy ceasefire, they must help Ukraine defend itself against further attacks.<\/p>\n \u00abDon\u2019t give us too much. Give us just enough to protect ourselves for that period.\u00bb.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nStarlink for the Ukrainian Armed Forces is still operating with restrictions<\/h2>\n
Zelenskyy explained why Ukraine needs Starlink<\/h2>\n
Zelenskyy called on the US to provide air defence systems instead of imposing unilateral restrictions<\/h2>\n