President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that interruptions to critical U.S. support are continuing to hinder Ukraine’s military effort, pressing American lawmakers to help secure the removal of restrictions affecting intelligence, satellite services and arms deliveries.
Key takeaways
- Zelensky raised Ukraine’s urgent wartime requirements in a virtual discussion with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators and representatives.
- Ukraine says Starlink and Starshield services remain subject to speed limits in several frontline areas, with no clear explanation provided.
- The Ukrainian president said reduced access to U.S. satellite networks is affecting logistics, medium-range operations and defences against Shahed drones.
- He said a Russian strike in the Kharkiv region killed six people and arrived without an initial alert from the U.S. early-warning system.
- Deliveries of missiles already funded by partner countries are being held up, while European states await U.S. clearance to send Patriot interceptors.
Appeal for restored military support
During the online meeting, Zelensky urged the bipartisan congressional delegation to encourage the Trump administration to reverse what Kyiv describes as limits on intelligence sharing, satellite access and weapons supplies.
The presidential office said Zelensky told the lawmakers that Starlink and Starshield speeds are still being curtailed in different sectors of the front. “We still have no explanation for this,” he said, adding that Ukraine had heard only “different strange stories,” which he described as regrettable.
He said the restrictions on the U.S. satellite systems were weakening Ukraine’s ability to move supplies at the front, carry out strikes at medium range and counter Shahed drone attacks.
Missile delays and Patriot transfers
Zelensky cited a recent Russian assault on the Kharkiv region that left six people dead, arguing that it demonstrated Moscow’s response to sanctions exemptions and a softer level of pressure. He also said the first wave of Russian ballistic missiles had struck without a warning from the American early-warning network, the third such incident in a short span of time.
The president further complained that the Pentagon was holding up missile deliveries that had already been paid for by Ukraine’s partners. New missile packages were awaiting the signature of Pete Hegseth, he said.
Despite his criticism, Zelensky thanked the United States, other countries and allied groupings for their backing, acknowledging that Ukraine’s position would be far more difficult without American support.
Kyiv is waiting for U.S.-made military equipment financed through the PURL programme. At the same time, European allies are awaiting U.S. authorization to transfer their Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine.
