Ukraine uses Starlink connections to intercept Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, strike military targets in occupied territory and deliver supplies to soldiers on the front line, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Brussels on Friday.
Zelensky said recent restrictions did not completely shut down Starlink but reduced connection speeds, preventing Ukrainian forces from intercepting some incoming drones.
“We use Starlink to intercept jet-powered ‘shaheds’ that attack our civilians and kill families,” Zelensky told reporters.
He said Ukraine does not use Starlink for strikes inside Russia, but relies on the system for medium-range operations against Russian military targets in Ukrainian territory occupied by Moscow.
According to Zelensky, Starlink-connected drones are also used to deliver food and water to Ukrainian troops who can spend weeks or months in frontline positions.
“Has the speed been fully restored to what it was before? No. Is it being restored now? Yes,” he said.
Ukraine reported earlier this week that restrictions affecting the military-grade Starshield service had disrupted both combat and air-defence drone missions. An order to slow the system had originated inside the White House.
SpaceX chief Elon Musk has denied responsibility, saying Starshield is controlled by the US government and that limits on its speed or use are determined by the US military and ultimately the president.
The Telegraph, however, reported on Friday, citing four sources familiar with the discussions, that Musk had approached President Donald Trump with the idea of slowing Starlink services used by Ukraine.
According to the newspaper, Musk later became concerned about possible negative reaction among European consumers. Trump and the White House have denied that the president ordered the restrictions.
Zelensky and Orpo discuss air defence
Zelensky raised Ukraine’s deteriorating air-defence situation during talks in Brussels with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
The Ukrainian president said parts of Kyiv and the Volyn region remained without electricity following Russian attacks on energy facilities.
“We constantly need the means to shoot down missiles and drones to protect people’s lives and critical infrastructure,” Zelensky said.
He said new decisions on support for Ukraine are expected already this month and thanked Finland for its continued assistance.
Zelensky and Orpo also discussed accelerating the work of the Shelter Coalition established jointly by Finland and Ukraine. Zelensky said proper shelters were needed in every Ukrainian city and community.
The talks took place during a two-day European Council meeting in Brussels, where Ukraine, European defence and the protection of Ukrainian critical infrastructure ahead of winter were among the main issues. European Council President António Costa said Friday that the EU should increase support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia rather than ease sanctions.
Tensions with Trump over Russian energy
Zelensky also criticised recent moves towards easing economic pressure on Moscow.
He warned that accepting deals involving Russian diesel could lead to further concessions on gas, sanctions, banking restrictions and eventually frozen Russian assets.
The comments come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over Ukrainian strikes against Russian energy infrastructure.
Trump has blamed attacks on Russian refineries for contributing to high fuel prices and last week announced an arrangement allowing Russian diesel back onto international markets. Diesel prices have become a significant political problem for Republicans ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.
US inflation accelerated to 3.7 percent in September, with higher gasoline prices among the main drivers, while diesel prices have climbed to exceptionally high levels.
Zelensky rejected the idea that concessions on energy would persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
“Putin doesn’t want negotiations right now – in any format,” he said.
Zelensky also warned European leaders against assuming that Russia’s ambitions would end with eastern Ukraine. He pointed to Moscow’s failed attempt to seize Kyiv at the start of the full-scale invasion and to recent Russian drone activity affecting European and NATO countries.
Ukraine’s immediate priority in Brussels has been additional air defence. Zelensky said Russia had launched around 1,000 drones over a period of roughly two days, while repeated ballistic missile and drone attacks have placed growing pressure on Ukraine’s energy system ahead of winter.