In brief: President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Germany’s development of its own alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink, calling it the right move for European security. Speaking in Berlin, he warned against dependence on foreign-controlled satellite systems and urged Europe to strengthen its defenses as the US global security role could diminish.
President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Germany’s development of its own alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system, warning that European nations must maintain control over critical infrastructure as America’s global security role could diminish.
Speaking at the Berlin Security Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Zelensky praised Germany’s efforts to establish an independent satellite network, describing technological sovereignty as increasingly important to Europe’s defense.
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“When it comes to new technologies like Starlink and similar systems, different countries are now building their own versions of Starlink. Germany is building its own system too,” Zelensky said.
“That is the right thing to do. Because the key question is: who controls their own and off buttons?”
The Ukrainian leader warned that developing independent communications infrastructure was only part of the challenge, as countries must also prepare for attacks against satellite systems.
“But what do we do about those who are building the ability to destroy such systems? Nobody can handle that alone,” he said.
His remarks come as Ukraine continues to rely heavily on satellite communications for military coordination and civilian connectivity during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has played a crucial role in maintaining Ukrainian communications, while also raising concerns about the risks associated with depending on technology controlled by private companies.
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Zelensky warns US security role could shrink
Zelensky also warned that the US could become increasingly focused on domestic priorities, leaving Europe with greater responsibility for its own security.
Addressing the conference as Americans voted in midterm elections, he questioned whether European nations could continue relying on Washington’s traditional role as the principal guarantor of Western security.
“The United States’ role in the world may become even smaller. So Europe’s role in the world must become even greater,” Zelensky said.
“And without Germany, this is impossible.”
He suggested that Washington might maintain its existing alliances while becoming less involved in international security affairs.
“Maybe America will not leave its existing alliances,” Zelensky said. “But it may still be an America that is much more focused on itself.”
He emphasized that Ukraine remained deeply grateful for American military assistance, which he said had saved thousands of lives and prevented millions more Ukrainians from becoming refugees.
However, he stressed that European assistance had been equally essential.
“Without Europe, Ukraine wouldn’t have survived,” Zelensky said, thanking Germany and other European countries for their continued military and financial support.
No European country can defend itself alone
The Ukrainian president argued that modern threats, including ballistic missiles, long-range drones, cyberattacks and the militarization of space, made international cooperation indispensable.
“No country in Europe can protect its skies alone against the number of ballistic missiles that Russia or any other enemy of the West could launch,” Zelensky warned.
He also highlighted Ukraine’s efforts to maintain shipping routes in the Black Sea and protect energy infrastructure against Russian attacks, saying such challenges could not be addressed without international assistance.
The Ukrainian leader warned that Russia’s military buildup extended beyond the requirements of its war against Ukraine.
“Russia has decided that a peaceful and united Europe is its enemy,” he said.
He accused Moscow of exploiting political divisions, spreading disinformation and attempting to undermine European unity.
Zelensky also urged Germany to remain committed to collective European defense, warning that the continent’s security architecture would weaken if major powers retreated from their responsibilities.
“What if Germany disappears from the security map of Europe and the world? What if France does?” he asked.
“What would be left of Europe’s security architecture then?”
‘Ukraine will never surrender’
Despite uncertainty surrounding America’s future international involvement, Zelensky insisted Ukraine would continue resisting Russia’s invasion.
“Ukraine will never surrender. Ukraine will always be strong, and Ukraine will always be European,” he declared.
He urged Germany to preserve its role as a central pillar of European security, warning that the continent’s ability to protect its freedom depended on its leading nations remaining united.
“Freedom and security in Europe have no alternative to your commitment and your strength,” Zelensky said.
“Europe has no alternative to Germany. Please remember that.”
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.
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