{"id":1453806,"date":"2026-10-16T16:39:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prm.ua\/starlink-restrictions-financial-aid-and-sanctions-against-russia-key-points-from-zelenskys-press-conference-in-brussels\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T16:39:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:39:20","slug":"starlink-restrictions-financial-aid-and-sanctions-against-russia-key-points-from-zelenskys-press-conference-in-brussels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prm.ua\/en\/starlink-restrictions-financial-aid-and-sanctions-against-russia-key-points-from-zelenskys-press-conference-in-brussels\/","title":{"rendered":"Starlink restrictions, financial aid and sanctions against Russia: key points from Zelensky’s press conference in Brussels"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at a press briefing in Brussels on Friday, October 16, that Starlink speeds in Ukraine are returning after restrictions were imposed. He also called on EU leaders at a meeting of the European Council to resolve the issue of frozen Russian assets, strengthen sanctions against Russia, and allocate at least another 70 billion euros to Ukraine.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This was reported<\/a> by the Office of the President.<\/p>\n

Starlink<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When asked about restoring Starlink speeds, the president gave a brief answer.<\/p>\n

“Is speed returning? Yes,” Zelensky said.<\/p>\n

According to him, the reduction in speed prevented the Ukrainian military from intercepting some of the Russian jet drones that attacked civilians. Ukraine uses special interceptor drones that operate via Starlink and move at high speed.<\/p>\n

“And when we reduced the speed, we were unable to shoot down a certain number of jet fighters,” he explained.<\/p>\n

The speed of jet drones exceeded 400 km\/h, while the speed of Starlink was reduced to 78 km\/h. Due to restrictions, Ukraine could also not use Starlink to hit military targets in temporarily occupied territories.<\/p>\n

Zelensky emphasized that now we are not talking about replacing Starlink.<\/p>\n

“We are working with some countries, including France, to have more options,” the president said.<\/p>\n

Negotiations and contacts with the USA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zelensky said that it is easier for him to communicate with US President Donald Trump than with Russian President Vladimir Putin.<\/p>\n

“I defend the interests exclusively of Ukraine and the people of Ukraine. We were attacked, occupied, our people were killed. It is logical that we have the right to protection,” he said.<\/p>\n

According to him, Putin does not want negotiations in any format right now.<\/p>\n

“This looks like a parody of the real desire for the war to end. He doesn’t want the war to end,” the president noted.<\/p>\n

According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian and US teams are in constant contact. He expects that in the coming days they will agree on a meeting at one level or another.<\/p>\n

Ukraine is also discussing with European partners the creation of a separate European track for dialogue with Russia. Zelensky explained that such a format should represent Ukraine’s interests and would not exclude other negotiation processes, in particular from the US side.<\/p>\n

“I really want there to be several tracks, so that there is an opportunity to move towards a diplomatic settlement of this war,” the president said.<\/p>\n

Sanctions and the diesel deal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zelensky said that Ukraine was unaware of the agreement between the US and Russia on diesel fuel. According to him, the lifting of sanctions came as a surprise to everyone.<\/p>\n

“We received signals after the relevant things had already happened,” he said.<\/p>\n

The president believes that Ukraine should be directly involved in discussing such agreements. He called Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, in particular on oil refineries, a response to Russian attacks and killings of Ukrainians.<\/p>\n

Zelensky also suggested that easing sanctions on diesel fuel could be the beginning of easing restrictions in other areas.<\/p>\n

“After gas, sanctions will be lifted on something else. It will all come down to the banking system, individuals, and the chemical industry,” he said.<\/p>\n

At a meeting of the European Council, the president urged leaders not to ease sanctions against Russia or anyone associated with it. He said Putin was ready to drag out the war for another year, and we must be prepared for that.<\/p>\n

Zelensky stressed that everything Putin has should be subject to severe sanctions: from oligarchs to a shadow navy and schemes to import components and equipment for the production of drones and missiles. He warned that the diesel deal could start to bring cash back to Russia. According to him, the deal will not compensate for the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on global markets, but it will give Putin additional funds to finance the war.<\/p>\n

The President called for a strong 22nd EU sanctions package. He also demanded sanctions against every company and individual involved in the production of Russian ballistics, advanced communications systems and drones, as well as in the Russian financial system.<\/p>\n

Frozen Russian assets<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zelenskyy called on Europe to ensure the protection of the entire amount of frozen Russian assets and find a mechanism for using them to support Ukraine. He warned that otherwise, Russia could gain access to them and use the funds to finance the war.<\/p>\n

“If Europe does not take this step, Putin will find a way to get to this money. Then, of course, he will use the assets to finance his war against us and his operations against you,” the president said.<\/p>\n

According to him, Russian sabotage involving drones can already be seen in Europe, in particular at Leipzig Airport.<\/p>\n

Zelenskyy proposed considering the creation of a separate treasury body controlled by the EU.<\/p>\n

“This would reduce the risks that assets will be unfrozen and divided among those who definitely do not want what is best for Europe or an end to this war,” he stressed.<\/p>\n

Defense funding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ukraine needs at least another 70 billion euros next year, Zelensky said, and called on European leaders to help find that support. He said the war will cost 155 billion euros next year.<\/p>\n

“This is a realistic amount and I ask you to find this support,” he said.<\/p>\n

The president explained that Ukraine is stopping most Russian assaults on the front thanks to drones and cutting off Russian logistics. According to him, the country could produce twice or three times as many drones, depending on the type, but there is a lack of funds for this. Zelensky called on leaders to invest in Ukrainian defense and joint production of drones and other weapons systems in European countries.<\/p>\n

Air defense and reconnaissance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Zelensky said that Ukraine is not a priority number one for the supply of American PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles. According to him, there is currently a large shortage, and most of these missiles have been directed to the Middle East for a long time. Ukraine is also working with European and other countries on additional supplies to protect the population.<\/p>\n

The President said that after the US President’s statements about the relevant agreements, Ukraine publicly supported the proposal for an energy ceasefire. According to him, Russia did not agree to such steps.<\/p>\n

“If there is no energy ceasefire, give us anti-ballistic missiles so that I can protect energy facilities. I didn’t get that. In my opinion, it looks strange,” Zelensky said.<\/p>\n

Regarding intelligence, he noted that Ukraine cooperates with dozens of countries and is grateful for this assistance. Ukraine receives information about Russian ballistic missile launches from the United States.<\/p>\n

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