Zelensky Says He Repeatedly Asked Trump to Lift Starshield Restrictions to Stop Russian Ballistic Attacks

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he repeatedly asked US President Donald Trump to lift restrictions on SpaceX’s military-grade Starshield satellite communications system, arguing that Ukraine could use it to strike Russian ballistic missile launchers before they fire. In a Nov. 2 interview with PBS NewsHour, Zelensky said he raised the issue during three or four meetings with Trump, who expressed support but told him the decision depended largely on Elon Musk’s SpaceX.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “You will never have enough Patriot missiles,” Zelensky recalled telling Trump, referring to limited interceptor supplies and growing US commitments in the Middle East. He argued that expanded Starshield access would help Ukrainian forces identify and target Russian launch sites, potentially preventing attacks on civilians and reducing pressure on Ukraine’s Patriot air defenses. Zelensky said Trump had promised to try to resolve the issue but had not secured a change in the restrictions. How lifting Starshield restrictions could help Ukraine Starshield provides satellite communications that support military operations, including reconnaissance and drone missions. Lifting the restrictions could allow Ukrainian forces to maintain reliable connections during longer-range operations inside Russia, improving their ability to locate and strike ballistic missile launchers. Unlike intercepting missiles already in flight, destroying launchers could prevent multiple future attacks while conserving scarce Patriot interceptors. Other Topics of Interest 26 Dead, 27 Missing as Russia Strikes Aid Site in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia Region Most of the victims were civilians collecting aid and those who rushed to help following the first strike, including at least two emergency rescuers and two police officers. However, satellite access alone would not guarantee successful strikes. Ukraine would still need accurate intelligence, suitable weapons and the ability to track mobile launchers. Zelensky emphasized that the proposed operations would target military launch sites to protect civilians, rather than involve indiscriminate strikes inside Russia. Zelensky questions whether Musk acted alone in Starshield slowdown Asked about last month’s slowdown of Starlink and Starshield services, which disrupted Ukrainian drone operations, Zelensky said connectivity had since improved but expressed doubts that Musk could have restricted the military-grade Starshield system without US government involvement. “I’m not sure that he could do it personally, alone, without any representatives from American government,” Zelensky said. He suggested the decision may have followed discussions between SpaceX and US officials but acknowledged that he did not know who authorized it. “I don’t know who from American side, from the government, did it, who allowed him,” he said. Musk previously said Washington controlled Starshield restrictions, while the Trump administration denied ordering the slowdown. Restrictions disrupted Ukrainian drone operations As Kyiv Post previously reported, Ukrainian military units experienced connectivity losses in mid-October when drones reached speeds of approximately 130-160 kilometers per hour (81-100 mph), affecting high-speed interceptors used against Russian Shahed drones. The restrictions raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and US lawmakers about Kyiv’s dependence on satellite infrastructure controlled by SpaceX and Washington. Speaking on Oct. 22, Trump said Musk had restored the service but did not clarify who initially ordered the restrictions. Zelensky said he remained grateful for SpaceX’s support since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, he expressed frustration that attempts to contact Musk following the recent disruption had been unsuccessful. The dispute comes as Ukraine seeks additional capabilities to counter Russian ballistic missiles and drones amid continuing attacks on its cities and energy infrastructure. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.