Zelenskyy Reports Starlink Issues Persist, Cites Missile Defense Shortage

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Starlink network remains only partially functional, despite previous assurances of its full operation. Zelenskyy told ABC News on Friday that the network's range is limited, impacting crucial military operations.

When asked about potential ongoing problems with the Starlink network, President Donald Trump responded that he had not yet spoken with Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink. "I've heard it was fixed, but if it's not, I'll speak to him," Trump said.

SpaceX has stated that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S. government, with any limits on speed or usage determined by the U.S. military. Starlink, however, is described by SpaceX as a commercial service whose usage is limited to civilian or defensive activities and cannot be used for offensive military action.

Zelenskyy also highlighted a significant shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, reporting that Ukraine has received only 24 such missiles from the U.S. in the last three months. He indicated that Ukraine requires approximately 350 Patriot interceptors per month to defend against the missile attacks, citing that 30 ballistic missiles struck Kyiv on Thursday night alone.

Following discussions with U.S. officials, Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that an early warning system for ballistic missile launches had been restored and was operational. "Starlink service will be restored within the next 48 hours," Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Oslo. "As for the ballistic missile launch warning system, we are grateful to the Americans. It is working now. That is excellent."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied on Tuesday that the U.S. had ever paused or altered intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

The White House has reportedly intensified pressure on Zelenskyy to engage in concessions for a peace deal with Moscow. Trump has repeatedly attributed the lack of progress in U.S.-sponsored peace talks to Kyiv. Trump also urged Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, a move Zelenskyy has criticized as beneficial to Russia's war effort.

Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday for ongoing U.S.-led peace talks. This meeting followed Witkoff's discussion with Zelenskyy in Oslo. Putin stated Thursday that Russia is prepared to resume trilateral talks concerning Ukraine's and Russia's security once peace agreements are finalized.

Amid these diplomatic efforts, Russia and Ukraine have continued to engage in widespread military strikes.