The Telegraph: Starlink limits and US pressure put Ukraine's defence at risk

A columnist named Simons at the British newspaper The Telegraph has criticised the actions of US President Donald Trump's administration and billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX towards Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for several years. In his view, satellite communication limits and US pressure on Kyiv could have serious consequences for Ukraine's defence.

Starlink restrictions

According to Ukrainian specialists, SpaceX has introduced limits on devices of its Starlink satellite internet system that move faster than 160 kilometres per hour. This has affected the operation of Ukraine's long-range drones. The author notes that Musk had promised his internet service would never be used as a "bargaining chip" in Ukraine, so Ukrainians can now count him among their enemies.

Pressure on Kyiv

The restrictions come as relations between Kyiv and the Trump administration are worsening. Last week Trump agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Russian diesel being supplied to the world market. The author believes these volumes will hardly affect global consumption in a significant way, but may carry political weight ahead of the US Congressional midterm elections.

Western media report that during talks in Miami, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner threatened to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine unless Kyiv stops attacks on Russian oil refineries. Simons also recalls earlier steps by Trump: calling Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator, freezing military aid and trying to push a peace plan that mainly took Moscow's interests into account.

The New York Times also critical

The New York Times writes that the United States has tied Ukraine's hands while giving Russia freedom to continue the war. Ukraine was shaken to learn of restrictions linked to the use of the Starshield system, which, according to Ukrainian officials, have disrupted several combat operations.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has continued since 24 February 2022, while the war started by Russia against Ukraine has lasted since 2014, when Russia occupied the Crimean peninsula and began hostilities in Donbas.