Zelenskyy says European countries developing Starlink alternative amid US restrictions

What happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that European countries are already working on an alternative to the Starlink satellite internet system, after observing how the United States can impose operational restrictions. Zelenskyy made these remarks during an online Q&A with journalists, as reported by European Pravda on 17 October 2026.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. According to Zelenskyy, European nations have drawn lessons from Ukraine’s experience with Starlink, specifically the ability of the US-based operator to regulate and restrict access or internet speeds remotely. He stressed that this is a Europe-wide concern, not unique to Ukraine, and confirmed that progress is underway with the alternative projects.

This development follows previous claims by Zelenskyy that Ukraine conducted tests within EU countries confirming imposed Starlink restrictions appeared to be part of a planned operation. Additional context includes reports from The Telegraph that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had proposed to former US President Donald Trump slowing down Starlink support for Ukraine, a claim Trump denies responsibility for, as does Musk according to the available reports. The Pentagon has not provided public explanations for Starlink's operational limitations.

Known from the source

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Europeans are developing an alternative to Starlink.
• Zelenskyy said this is in response to seeing how the US can restrict Starlink operations.
• The information is sourced from Zelenskyy’s answers to journalists online, as reported by European Pravda.
• Zelenskyy confirmed Europe broadly shares concerns about US regulation of Starlink.
• Ukraine previously tested Starlink restrictions in EU countries.

What remains unclear

The importance of this shift lies in the strategic vulnerability of relying on satellite internet controlled by a single foreign entity, especially in wartime conditions where access can critically impact communications and command. European efforts to develop an alternative could provide more autonomous and possibly more reliable satellite connectivity amid ongoing conflict dynamics and sanctions.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Specific European countries involved in developing the Starlink alternative. The nature and progress of the alternative satellite internet projects. Any official statements from European entities confirming or detailing these efforts.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.