Key Takeaways
- Ukraine's President Zelenskyy accuses Donald Trump of undermining Ukrainian defense.
- Starlink access was throttled, affecting Ukraine's ability to use drones and air defense systems.
- The incident risks damaging US-Ukraine relations.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused US President Donald Trump of 'betrayal' over the throttling of Starlink access, a communications system crucial for Ukraine's military operations.
According to Zelenskyy, the US government-managed Starlink system, produced by SpaceX, was no longer functioning on terminals moving at speeds greater than 100mph, rendering most of Ukraine's drones and air defense systems inoperable.
This development has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, with human rights activist Oleksandra Matviichuk warning that without Starlink protection, Russian drones could strike residential buildings, hospitals, and schools with greater ease.
The incident has also highlighted the tension between the US and Ukraine, with the US reportedly concerned about the impact of long-range Ukrainian missions on global energy prices, particularly targeting Russian oil refineries.
Zelenskyy's accusation comes after more than four years of conflict, during which Ukraine has relied heavily on Starlink for critical communications and operations.
The US government's decision to throttle Starlink access has been seen as a significant setback for Ukraine's military capabilities, potentially jeopardizing the effectiveness of its drone strikes and air defense systems.
The incident has raised questions about the future of US-Ukraine relations, with Zelenskyy's statement indicating a potential strain in the alliance.
While the US government has not officially commented on the matter, the incident has sparked discussions about the balance between US interests and Ukraine's needs in the ongoing conflict.
Without that protection, Russian drones will strike residential buildings, hospitals and schools like targets in a shooting gallery.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukrainian human rights activist
