World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Zelenskyy raises satellite disruptions and missile delays with Rubio
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed military support with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call on October 20.
They discussed ballistic missile interceptors, warnings of Russian missile attacks, and Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield services.
Ukraine relies on U.S. intelligence for early warnings, while Starshield supports battlefield communications and operations.
Disruptions have hampered Ukrainian drone operations, and Ukraine has also experienced problems with its early-warning systems.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs interceptors to protect lives, but a significant transfer of U.S. Patriot missiles has not yet been approved.
The issues come amid strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, including disputes over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries; no outcome or next step from the call was announced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed satellite service disruptions and delayed missile interceptors with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 20.
Zelenskyy said the talks covered Starlink and Starshield, ballistic missile interceptors and early warning of Russian missile attacks.
Ukraine has reported disruptions to satellite and early-warning services, which it says have affected military operations and protection against attacks.
Ukrainian officials have described delays in a transfer of Patriot interceptors as a risk to civilian lives.
The conversation took place amid tensions over U.S. policy and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- What
- They discussed satellite services, missile interceptors and early warning of Russian attacks.
- When
- October 20, 2026.
- Where
- By phone. The sources do not state where either person was during the call.
- Why
- Zelenskyy raised disruptions to satellite services and the need for missile interceptors and early warning. Ukraine has also accused Washington of using military aid and technology access as leverage.
Ukraine
U.S. officials
Leverage and aid
Ukraine
Ukrainian officials say disruptions and the delay in transferring Patriot interceptors are examples of political pressure from Washington.
U.S. officials
Not stated.
Satellite and warning disruptions
Ukraine
Ukraine says it has experienced disruptions to Starlink, Starshield and early-warning services.
U.S. officials
American officials have attributed previous early-warning outages to bad weather, while Rubio has cited a software malfunction.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin allowing Russia to supply diesel to U.S. and international markets.
Ukraine experienced disruptions to early-warning and satellite services, according to the reports.
Zelenskyy said he spoke by phone with Rubio about satellite services, missile interceptors and early warning.
- Participants
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Marco Rubio
- Call date
- October 20, 2026
- Satellite systems
- Starlink and Starshield
- Requested missiles
- Patriot ballistic missile interceptors
- Other topic
- Early warning of Russian ballistic missile attacks
- Previous deal
- Trump-Putin diesel supply deal announced October 9
3 sources
What people are saying
It was a substantive conversation — focused on the issues that matter,
Starlink/Starshield needs to be restored
are needed to protect lives
I am grateful for his readiness to help and his clear position.
Posts on X
I spoke with Marco Rubio @SecRubio, and it was a substantive conversation – focused on the issues that matter. I am grateful for his readiness to help and his clear position. First, ballistic missile interceptors, which are needed to protect lives. Second, early warning of