Patrick Tucker

Sci-Tech editor for @DefenseOne. Spies, AIs and the future(s). signal

[Global Security Forum @GSECForum]

Patrick Tucker brings a forward-looking perspective to the conversations shaping technology, defense and security at GSF 2026.

@DefTechPat

#GSF2026 #GSECforum

[Institute for the Study of War @TheStudyofWar]

Other Key Takeaways ⬇️

Senior Kremlin officials reaffirmed Russian support for Iran and explicitly defined the United States as Russia’s long-term adversary, despite the recent unilateral US concession to Moscow – offering Russia a diesel export waiver.

Former Commander of the Ukrainian 60th Ingulets Separate Mechanized Brigade Major Dmytro Rohozyuk became the acting commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps (AC) while Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi continues to command Ukraine’s Center Group of Forces (GoF) in Donetsk’s Fortress Belt.

Russia launched 165 drones against Ukraine overnight.

Ukrainian forces advanced east of Sumy City, and Russian forces advanced south of Orikhiv.

[Jack Watling @Jack_Watling]

To Subvert the State: The Ecosystem of Russian Active Measures - Oleksandr Danylyuk and I have just published a book through @RUSI_org on the forms and methods used by the Russian Special Services to manipulate politics abroad: https://t.co/KEE2jSO3di

[Patrick Tucker @DefTechPat]

Asked and answered https://t.co/56L53CGO44

[Kurt Schlichter @KurtSchlichter]

In what sense is Ukraine our ally?

And I actually like Ukraine.

[Institute for the Study of War @TheStudyofWar]

MORE: Ukrainian forces continue to face in-motion speed restrictions to SpaceX’s low-earth orbit satellite communication technology (Starlink and Starshield) that limit Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian piston engine-driven and jet-powered strike drones.

Ukrainian Presidential Advisor on Defense Technologies Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov stated on October 19 that the 160 kilometers per hour (around 100 miles per hour) in-motion speed restrictions to Ukraine’s satellite internet service as part of the Starshield package remain in place.

Beskrestnov emphasized that the Starshield in-motion speed restrictions disrupt data transmission to Ukrainian drones used to intercept Russian piston engine-driven Geran drones since the helicopters fly faster than 160 kilometers per hour. Beskrestnov noted that the Starshield speed restrictions limit Ukraine’s jet-powered interceptor drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on October 19 that Ukraine continues to experience speed restrictions on Starlink and Starshield services in various sectors of the frontline that undermine Ukraine’s frontline logistics, intermediate-range strikes, and counter-drone air defense operations.

Starshield is a more secure, jam-resistant, and military-oriented version of the Starlink satellite network that SpaceX designed for government use, while Starlink serves civilian and commercial purposes. Ukrainian forces do not have access to Starshield or any other Starlink services over Russian territory, as SpaceX has geographically restricted Ukraine’s access to within Ukraine’s international borders.

Data from Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) between July 1, 2026, and October 19, 2026, indicates that the Starshield in-motion speed restriction, which Ukrainian forces first reported on October 14, has significantly degraded Ukraine’s intermediate-range strike campaign targeting primarily Russian logistics across the frontline. ⬇️

[Timothy Snyder @TimothyDSnyder]

You can donate here to help protect Ukrainians from Russian drone attacks. Please do so if you can.
https://t.co/g6Dv0qpqPX

[Patrick Tucker @DefTechPat]

Link below. Part of our partnership with the @TheSoufanCenter to highlight discussions during the Global Security Forum in Doha https://t.co/puqADSuX3X

[Patrick Tucker @DefTechPat]

ISIS has mounted fewer attacks in Iraq and Syria since 2025 but @CarolineRose8 of the @TheSoufanCenter says this shows a "strategic recalibration" not "diminished capacity." And ISIS's activities are harder to detect following the U.S. withdrawal. Link to her op-ed in 🧵

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

I spoke with Marco Rubio @SecRubio, and it was a substantive conversation – focused on the issues that matter. I am grateful for his readiness to help and his clear position. First, ballistic missile interceptors, which are needed to protect lives. Second, early warning of Russian ballistic missile attacks, which is vital. Third, the situation with Starlink/Starshield, which needs to be restored. Of course, all of this comes against the backdrop of our diplomatic efforts to end this horrific war and the constant killing of people. We agreed to get in touch again soon for an update. Thank you, Marco, for the constructive discussion! Thank you to everyone in America who supports fair approaches!

[Rebeccah Heinrichs @RLHeinrichs]

President Zelenskyy was the only European leader to publicly visit the Gulf States during Epic Fury while offering help with air defense; Ukraine is giving us an incredible amount of knowledge that’s improving our own capabilities (as per the Trump Army). And it’s destroying the military of our one of our chief rivals who seeks our harm.

[Defense One @DefenseOne]

IDEAS: The lack of a shared lexicon is undermining responsible AI-military integration | We need a common way to talk about military AI—across services, agencies, and indeed, the world. https://t.co/RmwxSIatWd

[Tymofiy Mylovanov @Mylovanov]

Petraeus: Ukraine is killed and wounded 46,000 in the past month alone, while Russia recruits a little over 30,000.

When Starlink was completely shut down, Ukrainian front-line commanders texted me that they were losing control of their formations. 1/

[Patrick Tucker @DefTechPat]

Link: https://t.co/vienVyxilA

[Patrick Tucker @DefTechPat]

Europe is adapting to Moscow’s increasingly brazen and kinetic operations. The US should catch up, says @NikkieLyubarsky from the @TheSoufanCenter. Part of a special series of op-eds we will be running during the Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar. Link in 🧵

[Patrick Tucker @DefTechPat]

Hello from Doha where @DefenseOne is partnering with @TheSoufanCenter Global Security Forum. Keep an eye out for exclusive op-eds on the changing nature of security partnerships.

[Olena Halushka @OlenaHalushka]

Those who preach peace through capitulation won't tell you what russian occupation means.

russians occupied Izyum for less than 6m.

After liberation, we found mass graves of 447 ppl. Most of them were civilians — 215 women, 194 men and 5 children. Many bodies had signs of violent death.

This is what people with proud 'Christian' in their bios are pushing Ukraine for.

[The Hitchhiker's Guide to Self-Preservation @TheFATEof2021]

Russian Kosmos 2612 and ICEYE-X36 (providing Ukraine military support) are now in perfect sync with each other. The Russian military satellite is intentionally stalking and tracking the Western radar satellite. Keeping a satellite "bumper-to-bumper" in this manner allows Russia to intercept or jam data transmissions, physically inspect Western technology, or quickly pivot to execute a kinetic or non-kinetic anti-satellite (ASAT) attack with very little warning or fuel expenditure.

Kosmos 2612 executed a series of highly precise, fuel-heavy maneuvers to force itself into a "coplanar" orbit—matching ICEYE-X36's exact altitude (~555 km), speed, and inclination (~97.8°). The ICEYE-X36 satellite is giving the Ukraine military support.

[GeoInsider @InsiderGeo]

🇱🇹 BREAKING: Lithuania says an attempt was made overnight to set fire to a company storing Starlink communications equipment used by Ukraine, in an incident Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has linked to Russia’s suspected hybrid warfare campaign against Europe.

The attempted arson took place at around 2 a.m. According to Sinkevičius, the company had already been warned by Lithuanian security services about possible attacks, prompting it to strengthen security at the site. The attempt was ultimately prevented, and incendiary liquids were found at the scene in containers ranging from 3 to 5 litres, as well as a 10-litre canister.

The company supports nine Starlink satellite antennas used by Ukraine, making the facility relevant to communications supporting Kyiv.

Lithuanian officials have confirmed that the incident is under investigation. Police Commissioner General Arūnas Paulauskas said officers worked through the night collecting evidence and examining the scene. No suspects have been detained so far, and the company’s operations were not disrupted. Any damage is believed to be minimal.

[Institute for the Study of War @TheStudyofWar]

MORE: Trump’s October 16 Executive Order does not support Trump’s stated foreign policy objectives of ending the war in Ukraine and will only enable Russia to continue financing and protracting the war in Ukraine without any proper incentives that may force Russia to engage in any meaningful peace negotiations.

[Ukraine Evidence Hub @UkraineEvidence]

The verified record of Russia's crimes in Ukraine: case files, UN statements, fact-checks, sanctions, the cost of the war, and a calendar of where Ukraine is on the agenda. Every figure has a source, a date and a tier. Open data, 6 languages. https://t.co/CMKDV1Ziem