Ukraine's Starlink Access Restricted Amidst Escalating Conflict
US satellite internet curtailed as Russia launches massive strikes; Zelenskyy claims betrayal by Trump.
Carla Rooney
Ukraine's access to US satellite internet has been restricted.
A military technology adviser to Zelenskyy confirmed multiple combat missions failed Tuesday evening due to a Starlink shutdown.
This disruption to Ukraine's Starlink network occurred simultaneously with unannounced ballistic missile strikes across the country.
Russia launched a massive strike against Ukrainian energy infrastructure late Tuesday evening, deploying 39 ballistic missiles and 120 attack drones against Kyiv and Kharkiv.
The assault hit five major power plants and key substations.
Ukrainian soldiers have had their internet access restricted amid Donald Trump’s demands for a halt on long-range strikes against Russia’s energy infrastructure.
Poland funds Ukraine's Starlink subscription, which guides long-range drone strikes in occupied southern and eastern Ukraine.
Elon Musk stated he did not make the decision to curtail Starlink, clarifying that the system used by the Ukrainian military links to a US government-operated network called Starshield, not directly controlled by SpaceX.
Musk has faced accusations of ‘playing politics’ over Ukraine’s Starlink access.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims he feels personally betrayed by Donald Trump over the restriction of Starlink access.
Zelenskyy further claims Donald Trump is picking the other side after over four years of war, stating Starlink was blocked by SpaceX and the United States at 1 am.
The United States had promised Ukraine additional post-war security guarantees before talks collapsed.
Elsewhere, European figures, including EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas, criticized a global diesel deal announced by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin.
Trump claimed an energy ceasefire was currently in place.
Britain has pledged to accelerate the supply of British lightweight multi-role missiles to Ukraine.
John Foreman, a former UK military attaché in Kyiv and Moscow, offered insights into the unfolding situation.
Moscow currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Downing Street.