The short version
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Starlink access for Ukrainian forces has not fully returned to previous speeds, describing the restriction as a dangerous surprise.
- The Ukrainian president requested an additional €70 billion from European Union leaders to cover defense costs and resilience needs for the coming year.
- Tensions with Washington have escalated after President Trump criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, coinciding with reports of White House involvement in throttling satellite services.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that the Ukrainian military’s access to Starlink satellite internet services remains restricted, despite earlier indications from Washington that capabilities would be restored. The Ukrainian president described the continued limitation as a dangerous and unpleasant surprise, noting that while signals from the White House suggested a return to normal operations, the speed limits have not yet been lifted. This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic friction between Kyiv and Washington, with reports indicating that the order to throttle the service originated within the White House itself.
The restrictions specifically impact Starshield, the military-grade version of the satellite network produced by SpaceX but controlled by the US government. Ukrainian defense officials rely on this connectivity to support air defense systems designed to counter Russian jet-powered drones. Although the Pentagon was informed that the service needed to be slowed, neither the White House nor the Pentagon has officially confirmed the specific details of the throttling or the withholding of intelligence regarding incoming ballistic missile strikes. Zelenskyy stated that while the capabilities are expected to return, they have not yet reached their previous operational levels.
The satellite dispute coincides with sharp public criticism from US President Donald Trump, who labeled Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries as a disgrace. Trump argued that these actions were driving up global oil prices, a claim contested by energy analysts who point to the conflict between the US and Israel in Iran as a more significant factor affecting diesel export volumes. The failure of a purported energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine further complicated the diplomatic landscape, with European Union leaders noting that Moscow had not respected the agreement for even a single minute.
Amid these transatlantic tensions, Zelenskyy turned to European partners in Brussels to secure financial commitments for the ongoing war effort. He requested an additional €70 billion from the EU to fund defense, weapons, and resilience measures for 2027. This request comes as Kyiv faces a potential financial shortfall, with current EU funding plans covering only two-thirds of Ukraine’s estimated needs. The remaining third was intended to be filled by other international partners, including the UK, Canada, Norway, and Japan, but the realization of a looming budget gap has reignited debates over alternative funding sources.
The prospect of a financial crunch has brought frozen Russian assets back into the discussion. Approximately €210 billion in Russian funds are held within the EU, with Belgium hosting the vast majority of these reserves. While the EU currently uses profits from these assets to support Ukraine through a loan mechanism, it previously rejected proposals to use the principal amounts directly. Belgium remains strongly opposed to unlocking the frozen capital, fearing it would bear disproportionate financial risk if the plan were to fail or lead to legal complications.
Zelenskyy proposed an alternative structure involving an EU-controlled custodian to manage the assets, aiming to reduce the risk of them being unfrozen and distributed among member states that may oppose such measures. However, the European Commission has been hesitant to advance new variants of this plan due to anticipated resistance from skeptical member states like Belgium. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, emphasized that the EU intended to increase pressure on Moscow through a 22nd round of sanctions, rather than lifting existing restrictions.
Despite the internal disagreements and external pressures, Zelenskyy reported receiving unified support from European leaders during his summit meetings. He dismissed suggestions that European heads of state had asked him to moderate his criticism of Trump, stating that he heard only encouragement from his partners. The alignment of strategies between Kyiv and Brussels remains critical as Ukraine navigates both the immediate military challenges posed by Russian escalation and the long-term economic sustainability of its defense efforts.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between military necessity, diplomatic relations, and financial logistics in the ongoing conflict. As Starlink restrictions persist and US political rhetoric intensifies, Ukraine’s reliance on European funding becomes increasingly pivotal. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape not only the immediate trajectory of the war but also the broader geopolitical dynamics between Europe, the United States, and Russia in the coming months.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Starlink access still not fully restored for Ukraine’s military, says Zelenskyy
