Ukraine has still not received some of the agreed interceptor missiles to defend against Russian ballistic attacks. At the same time, speed restrictions on the Starlink and Starshield satellite systems remain in place, despite statements from the American side about their cancellation.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said this on October 23 during an online appearance at the Hudson Institute in the United States, reports Suspilne.
According to the president, Ukraine is waiting for interceptor missiles to counter Russian ballistic missiles, the deliveries of which have already been agreed with partners. However, the weapons have not yet arrived.
"We are waiting for the interceptors that have already been agreed upon, but they still have not arrived," Zelensky said.
The president expressed hope that the necessary missiles are already on the way. He emphasized that delays pose a serious problem for Ukrainian air defense, as Russia carries out large-scale attacks almost daily.
At the same time, the Ukrainian military continues to face satellite communication restrictions.
Zelensky confirmed that the speed of Starlink and Starshield for the Ukrainian military is still not fully restored.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said that SpaceX owner Elon Musk had already lifted the restrictions. However, according to Zelensky, the Ukrainian side has not observed a full restoration of the systems' operation.
As previously reported by Kurs.com.ua, on October 23, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that satellite communication problems persist. Tests showed partial improvement in terminal operation, but connections may still drop at certain speeds.
The restrictions complicate the use of certain types of Ukrainian drones, including interceptor drones designed to destroy high-speed Russian attack vehicles.
Problems with satellite communications and missile supplies have become the subject of negotiations between Kyiv and Washington. On October 20, Zelensky discussed these issues with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The conversation also concerned providing Ukraine with information for early warning of Russian ballistic attacks.
Earlier, Zelensky reported delays in the transfer of missiles for American Patriot air defense systems purchased by European partners under the PURL program. This initiative provides for NATO states to finance purchases of American weapons for Ukraine.
In turn, Marco Rubio admitted on October 20 that a separate batch of interceptors may have been delayed, but rejected suggestions of a deliberate political decision by Washington not to supply weapons to Ukraine.
During his current appearance, Zelensky did not name the number of delayed missiles, nor specific timelines for restoring satellite communications or receiving weapons for Ukrainian air defense.
