Zelensky says Starlink restrictions on Ukrainian forces have not been fully lifted despite gradual restoration

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that restrictions affecting Starlink use by Ukraine's armed forces had still not been completely removed, despite a gradual restoration of internet speeds.

Zelensky rejected suggestions that Ukraine uses Starlink for deep strikes inside Russia. Ukrainian forces do not have Starlink or Starshield access over Russian territory and use other systems for long-range strikes.

His comments came as British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had assured him that Ukraine's Starlink access had been restored. Zelensky's account indicated that some limitations nevertheless remained at the time he spoke.

Zelensky also said Europe has enough PAC-2 and PAC-3 Patriot interceptors to help Ukraine through the winter. He called for sufficient anti-ballistic missiles to protect Ukrainian energy infrastructure if there is no effective energy ceasefire with Russia.

"If there's no energy ceasefire, give us anti-ballistic missiles so that I can protect my energy facilities," he said. "We were attacked. Our people were killed. It's only logical that we have the right to defend ourselves."

Zelensky again rejected the U.S.-Russia diesel agreement, warning that further energy deals and sanctions relief could follow. He also said Vladimir Putin does not want the war to end and argued that control of the Donbas would not satisfy Russia's broader objectives.