Europe is already working on Starlink alternative, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
European countries have already begun developing their own satellite network, which could become a full-fledged alternative to the American Starlink system, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in comments to journalists
According to the head of state, European countries can see how the United States can restrict Starlink's operations and are therefore already trying to develop an alternative.
Zelenskyy noted that Europeans also use the American satellite system, meaning they cannot ignore recent developments.
"Europe sees this. We are not the only ones asking questions. All of Europe has seen that it can be regulated (Starlink's operations - ed.) directly from the United States — regardless of agreements and contracts, it can restrict speeds. That is why European nations are now raising the issue of developing their own alternatives, and they are already working on them and making progress," the Ukrainian president emphasized.
He is confident that Europe will be able to successfully implement its new project.
"I can already see it happening," Zelenskyy assured.
Restrictions on Starlink's operations in Ukraine
Recently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially confirmed that in recent days, Ukraine's Defense Forces had faced problems due to restrictions on Starlink's operations.
According to Zelenskyy, this happened after he asked the United States to provide missiles for Patriot air defense systems, which are needed to protect the population from Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, the White House assured Ukraine that it was not involved in imposing the restrictions. It explained that it does not control SpaceX's operations.
For his part, SpaceX owner Elon Musk said he had not made any decisions regarding Ukraine and suggested that the restrictions could have been imposed by the US government or the Pentagon.
According to information obtained by RBC-Ukraine from its own sources, Starlink restrictions have prevented Ukrainian interceptor drones from shooting down jet-powered Shahed drones.
Recently, reports emerged that Starlink's military package had resumed operating at its usual speed.
