Zelensky Discusses Patriot, Intelligence Data, and Starlink Issues with Rubio

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky held a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which they discussed problems with the supply of missiles for air defense, early warning of Russian ballistic attacks, and restrictions on the operation of Starlink and Starshield satellite systems.

The head of state announced this on his Telegram channel on October 20.

According to Zelensky, the conversation was substantive and concerned three issues critically important for Ukraine's defense.

The first issue was providing Ukraine with interceptor missiles against ballistic threats. The second was restoring a reliable mechanism for early warning of Russian missile attacks, which allows timely response to ballistic missile launches.

The third topic was restrictions on the operation of Starlink and Starshield, which affect the capabilities of the Ukrainian military, particularly units using drones.

"I am grateful for the readiness to help and the clear position", the Ukrainian president noted following the conversation.

Zelensky also said that he discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia's war against Ukraine with Rubio. The parties agreed to contact each other again in the near future to assess the situation and the results of further work.

The negotiations took place amid reports of delays in American approvals for the transfer of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as well as interruptions in early warning of ballistic strikes.

Earlier, Zelensky stated that Ukraine had repeatedly not received advance information from partners about Russian attacks. At the same time, Rubio denied suspending intelligence sharing and reported a technical problem in the early warning system.

Separately, Kyiv is trying to achieve the elimination of speed restrictions on Starlink/Starshield satellite communications, which complicate the use of Ukrainian interceptor drones and the work of front-line logistics.

At the same time, Zelensky did not report specific decisions on restoring missile supplies, eliminating interruptions in warnings, or lifting restrictions on satellite systems. The parties are to discuss further results of the negotiations during their next contact.

Based on materials from: Vladimir Zelensky, Kurs Ukrainy