Zelensky held talks with Rubio: discussed ballistic protection, Starlink, and warnings about Russian attacks

On October 20, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The parties discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, ensuring early warning systems for Russian missile strikes, and problems with the Starlink/Starshield satellite communications.

The head of state reported this on his Telegram channel.

What Zelensky and Rubio agreed on

According to the Ukrainian president, the talks were substantive and concerned issues that directly affect the security of Ukrainians.

One of the main topics was providing Ukraine with means to intercept ballistic missiles. The parties also discussed the need for proper functioning of early warning systems for Russian attacks.

Special attention was paid to the situation surrounding the Starlink/Starshield satellite communications, the stable operation of which is of great importance for the Ukrainian military.

Zelensky thanked the American side for its readiness to assist and its clear position on the issues raised.

The President also noted that military-technical consultations are taking place in parallel with diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

Following the conversation, the parties agreed to maintain the intensity of contacts and hold the next coordination conversation in the near future.

Problems with warning of ballistic attacks

The negotiations took place against the backdrop of reports of problems with the transmission of information about Russian missile strikes.

In particular, after the night ballistic attack on Kyiv on October 19, information appeared that the Ukrainian side did not receive an advance warning from American partners.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied the suspension of the transmission of intelligence information to Ukraine.

According to him, the delays could have been caused by a software error in the early warning system. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the US European Command (EUCOM).

Thus, the American side associates the problems with technical malfunctions, and not with a political decision to limit cooperation with Ukraine.

What is happening with Starlink in Ukraine

Another issue of the negotiations was the operation of the Starlink satellite Internet, which the Ukrainian military uses, in particular, to provide communications and control unmanned systems.

Earlier, there were reports of a decrease in speed and interruptions in the operation of satellite communications.

Marco Rubio rejected the assumption that the administration of US President Donald Trump was involved in these problems.

According to the Secretary of State, the White House did not make decisions on the intentional slowing down or blocking of Starlink for Ukraine.

He also emphasized that Starlink is a commercial product, and the system’s operation, according to his information, has already resumed.

Ukraine and the US will continue consultations

Despite disagreements over certain aspects of military and technological cooperation, Kyiv and Washington continue to discuss security issues.

Of particular importance for Ukraine are stable receipt of information about missile threats, access to modern air defense systems, and uninterrupted operation of communications.