Zelensky explained the condition for Ukraine to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv offered to stop striking Russian oil refineries in exchange for U.S. systems capable of protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure from ballistic missile attacks, but Washington did not provide them. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on October 16, Zelensky said Ukraine had proposed the arrangement as a compromise amid discussions between the U.S. and Russia.
Zelensky said agreements between Washington and Moscow concerning fuel supplies and strikes on energy infrastructure had come as a surprise to Kyiv because Ukraine had not been consulted. He argued that any arrangements affecting Ukraine’s military response on Russian territory should involve the Ukrainian government.
The president said Kyiv was prepared to accommodate Washington’s request to halt refinery strikes, even without a reciprocal Russian commitment to stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities. In return, Ukraine sought access to ballistic missile defense systems for as long as necessary to protect its infrastructure. “But I didn’t get that. Strange!” Zelenskyy said.
He added that European leaders had supported Ukraine’s position, describing it as clear and fair.
The order to limit Starlink access for Ukraine's military came from within the White House, Reuters
An order to restrict the speed of Starlink systems used by Ukraine’s military came from within the White House, Reuters reported on October 15, citing U.S. and Western officials. The restrictions took effect a day earlier without warning, limiting speeds to 100 mph (160 km/h) and disrupting Ukrainian military operations involving long-range strike and interceptor drones.
Two U.S. officials and one Western official told Reuters that Pentagon officials had been notified that Starshield, Starlink’s military service, needed to be slowed down. They did not identify who issued the order. Ukraine relies on Starlink for battlefield communications and to operate drones targeting Russian forces in occupied Ukrainian territory, as well as interceptor drones designed to counter Russia’s increasingly widespread use of jet-powered attack drones. Ukrainian forces are restricted from using the service inside Russia.
The speed limits were accompanied by signal disruptions and unstable connections, including at lower speeds. Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov said several military missions were severely disrupted. Connectivity was restored and remained operational as of October 15, according to the report.
Zelensky and Hungary's PM Magyar held their first 'one-on-one' meeting at the EU summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar held their first bilateral meeting in Brussels on October 16, seeking to improve relations and open what both leaders described as a new chapter in ties. The talks took place on the sidelines of a two-day EU summit, as Ukraine works to maintain European support amid tensions with Washington.
Magyar welcomed Ukraine’s adoption of a law expanding educational rights for national minorities, calling it a first step toward rebuilding mutual trust. The legislation, signed by Zelensky earlier in the week, gives Hungarian-speaking Ukrainians and other EU-language minorities greater flexibility to use their native languages in education. Hungary had demanded changes to minority education rules as part of its objections to Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Following the law’s adoption, Budapest lifted its veto on opening two additional EU negotiation clusters for Ukraine, allowing their formal launch on October 13. Magyar said the two governments would continue discussions at the ministerial level, focusing on minority issues and ways to establish a new foundation for political and economic cooperation. He also expressed solidarity with Ukraine amid Russia’s war.
Zelensky said the Brussels talks covered Ukraine’s EU membership bid, bilateral cooperation, trade, agriculture and diplomatic efforts to end the war. The leaders also agreed to exchange visits. Magyar raised the possibility of meeting again in Berehove, a town in western Ukraine with a large Hungarian-speaking community, although no date has been set.