Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the United States has fully restored intelligence warnings about imminent Russian ballistic missile attacks, following recent disruptions that raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Zelensky disclosed the development during an interview with Ukraine’s TSN television channel on Sunday, October 25, explaining that the warnings, which are essential to the country’s air defence operations, were now functioning normally.
The Ukrainian leader also revealed that SpaceX’s Starshield satellite internet service had resumed operating at speeds of up to 420 kilometres per hour since early Saturday morning.
The service had reportedly been restricted earlier in October amid growing diplomatic pressure from Washington on Kyiv over its military operations against Russia.
According to Zelensky, the restoration of both services followed discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in Oslo.
He linked the improvements to the talks, suggesting that the meeting helped resolve the issues affecting Ukraine’s access to the intelligence warnings and satellite communications.
The development comes as the United States continues to pressure Ukraine to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes have contributed to rising global energy prices.
The issue has become particularly sensitive for President Donald Trump’s administration amid the ongoing US war with Iran and the approaching American midterm elections in November.
However, Zelensky insisted that Ukraine would only consider halting attacks on Russian energy facilities if certain conditions were met.
He said Moscow must stop targeting Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, or Washington should allow Ukrainian forces to use Starshield over Russian territory to identify ballistic missile launch locations.
Alternatively, Zelensky said the United States could provide additional Patriot air defence missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian attacks.
The Ukrainian president also addressed upcoming technical negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States, which are expected to take place in November.
He made it clear that Kyiv would not accept proposals requiring restrictions on the size or capabilities of its armed forces or forcing Ukraine to remain neutral after the war.
Ukraine has consistently sought membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), although some members of the alliance have expressed reservations about admitting the country.
Zelensky also renewed his call for a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin under US mediation, arguing that meaningful negotiations on the most sensitive issues surrounding the war would require discussions between the two leaders.
He maintained that Putin remains the key decision-maker in Russia and that major questions, including the future of Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation, cannot be resolved through lower-level negotiations alone.
Russia currently occupies nearly 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, making territorial control one of the most difficult issues in efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.
“The issue of territories is a red line that can be discussed exclusively at the level of leaders,” Zelensky said.
His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue ahead of the planned November talks, with Kyiv seeking stronger security guarantees while resisting proposals that could weaken its military capabilities or compromise its territorial position.
