Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed ballistic missile interceptors, early warning systems for Russian attacks, and the restoration of Starlink services during a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Zelensky described the conversation in a Telegram post as substantive and thanked Rubio for his willingness to help and what he called his clear position on the issues.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“First, we discussed interceptors for ballistic missiles, which are essential for protecting lives. Second, we addressed early warning systems for Russian ballistic missile attacks – a matter of vital importance. Third, we talked about the situation regarding Starlink/Starshield, which needs to be restored,” Zelensky wrote.
He did not provide further details about the discussions or specify what steps might be taken to address the three issues.
Zelensky said the talks took place amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and continued Russian attacks.
“We agreed to be in touch again soon for an update,” he added, thanking Rubio for his “constructive approach” and Americans supporting what he called a just path forward.
Earlier, Zelensky accused the Pentagon of delaying the delivery of Patriot air defense missiles already paid for by European allies, saying the weapons were awaiting approval from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Speaking to US lawmakers on Monday, he said several European countries were ready to transfer interceptors from their stockpiles, but Washington had yet to authorize the deliveries.
Other Topics of Interest
Russian Drone Strike Near Kyiv-Odesa Highway Kills 3
Traffic was restricted near Chabany after a Russian drone strike set cars on fire close to a shopping center.
Zelensky added Washington had not explained why Ukraine received no advance warning before recent Russian ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and strikes on energy infrastructure.
Russia’s Oct. 19 attack on the capital killed a 21-year-old woman and injured eight people. Ukraine also received no advance warning before Russian ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv on Oct. 12 and 13.
The US has denied changing its intelligence-sharing arrangements with Ukraine.
Rubio, speaking during a visit to Uzbekistan on Monday, denied that Washington had withdrawn intelligence-sharing support from Ukraine and backed Trump’s call for Zelensky to concentrate on ending the war.
The dispute comes amid renewed tensions between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who on Monday accused the Ukrainian leader of not knowing what he was talking about and suggested someone else should negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf.
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed interest in meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in China next month to discuss nuclear disarmament, potentially including Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a three-way meeting had been discussed, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned it could “only encourage Putin to continue this war.”
Diplomatic contacts are continuing, with US envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly traveling to Oslo for talks with Zelensky and European leaders before heading to Russia to meet Putin. The meetings follow Zelensky’s Sunday talks with Trump’s envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.