US Congressman Threatens to Cut Agency Funding if Ukraine's Satellite Access Is Restricted
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has warned he will seek to halt funding for US agencies if they restrict Ukraine's access to military satellite communications. Republicans are also upset over the Trump administration's diesel deal with Russia.
US President Donald Trump's policy toward Russia has caused outrage in Ukraine and concern among European allies, and has deepened divisions within his own Republican Party ahead of the upcoming congressional midterm elections. According to The Wall Street Journal, the criticism now includes a concrete threat from a lawmaker.
Threat to agencies
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said he would try to halt funding for US government agencies if they restrict Ukraine's access to military satellite communications. The system in question is Starshield, a military satellite communications platform developed by SpaceX. "If we start restricting Ukraine's access to this network, there will be consequences, mark my words. Government agencies will not receive funding if they do not fulfil their duties," Fitzpatrick warned. He explained that funding could be withheld from the agencies responsible for any such restrictions. There is so far no evidence that restrictions on Ukraine were introduced on Trump's orders.
Discontent over the diesel deal
Republican dissatisfaction goes beyond satellite communications. Sources told the newspaper that after the announcement of an agreement with Russia on diesel fuel, several Republican lawmakers called the White House in anger. They accused the administration of handing Russia economic advantages while receiving nothing in return, and said the deal did not follow the required procedure for consulting Congress.
Ukrainian and European officials consider the administration's approach to ending the war mistaken. In their view, pressure should be increased on Moscow rather than Kyiv. They warn that Vladimir Putin could use economic relief to top up Russia's military budget.
Dispute over strikes on oil refineries
One of the main points of disagreement is Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries. According to the newspaper's sources, since Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in September, the US side has asked Ukraine about six times to stop the strikes. Kyiv replied that it is ready for a mutual energy ceasefire but will not halt attacks unilaterally while Russia continues to shell Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The Trump administration defends its policy, arguing that economic and political incentives will help achieve a more durable ceasefire.
