The short version
- Starlink access for Ukraine’s military was suddenly restricted, limiting speeds and rendering drones and air defense systems less effective.
- President Zelenskyy accused Trump of picking the other side, citing a lack of intelligence warnings and coordinated pressure against Kyiv.
- Trump denies cutting intelligence sharing but has demanded Ukraine stop striking Russian oil refineries, linking these actions to high diesel prices.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Donald Trump of betrayal following the sudden restriction of Starlink satellite access for Ukraine’s military. The outage, which occurred overnight, limited Starlink speeds to below 100mph, effectively rendering most Ukrainian drones used for strikes behind frontlines inoperable. The disruption also affected the country’s most effective air defense system against Russian jet-powered attack drones. Zelenskyy stated that he feels personally betrayed by Trump, accusing the US president of picking the other side after more than four years of war.
The restriction came without explanation from SpaceX or the US government. Zelenskyy expressed certainty that the decision was deliberate, noting that Starlink was blocked at 1am. He warned that this move would lead to significant human losses, stating, 'Of course, people will die.' The timing of the outage coincided with Russia launching ballistic missiles at Ukraine without advance warning from the US for a second consecutive night. For years, the US has provided Kyiv with intelligence on impending strikes, a practice that appears to have ceased.
Trump denied that his administration had cut intelligence sharing, but Zelenskyy reported that military advisers had received threats from the US that such sharing could be limited in the future. The Ukrainian president linked these developments to Trump’s dissatisfaction with Ukraine targeting Russian oil refineries. Trump has blamed these strikes for high diesel prices in the US, although most analysts attribute the surge in energy costs to the conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Washington follows a previous fallout in the spring of 2025, when Trump told Zelenskyy during a visit to the Oval Office that he did not have the 'cards' to win the war. That incident led to a brief pause in intelligence sharing and required European allies to intervene to calm tensions. Now, with Starlink access restricted and diesel imports from Russia being negotiated, Zelenskyy fears a broader breakdown in US support.
Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London shortly after the Starlink restrictions were revealed. He expressed concern that Ukraine was losing a strong partner in the US. Burnham promised MPs that Zelenskyy would not leave empty-handed, tasking officials with drawing up further sanctions and options to support Kyiv. The meeting underscored Europe’s growing anxiety about the reliability of US commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
The role of Elon Musk and SpaceX in this conflict has become increasingly contentious. While Starlink is produced by Musk’s company, it is managed by the US government. Reports suggest that coordinated pressure may be tipping the scales in Russia’s favor, especially as Putin’s forces have failed to deliver significant advances despite months of bombardment. The economic strain on Russia from Ukrainian counterstrikes has been notable, prompting Trump’s desire to halt these actions.
The implications of reduced Starlink access extend beyond immediate military capabilities. It signals a potential shift in US policy toward neutrality or even favoring Russian interests, which could embolden further aggression. Zelenskyy’s accusation of betrayal highlights the personal and strategic stakes involved, as Ukraine relies heavily on Western support to sustain its defense efforts.
As the situation evolves, the question remains whether Trump’s administration will fully withdraw support or if this is a temporary tactical adjustment. The lack of clear communication from Washington has left Kyiv in a precarious position, forcing it to rely more on European allies. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the long-term trajectory of US-Ukraine relations and the outcome of the war.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Volodymyr Zelenskyy feels ‘betrayed’ by Donald Trump over Starlink access
- Fox News↗Elon Musk’s SpaceX imposes stunning restrictions on Ukraine that could have deadly consequences
- New York Post↗Elon Musk points to Trump for Starshield throttling in Ukraine that Zelensky warns will cost lives
- The Guardian↗Volodymyr Zelenskyy feels ‘betrayed’ by Donald Trump over Starlink access
