Zelensky defies Trump, accusing the US of betraying Ukraine over Starlink restrictions

Kyiv ends energy-target pause

Zelensky told the Financial Times that Ukraine would no longer hold back attacks on refineries after Russia struck power stations, cutting electricity to hundreds of thousands of people. He said the block on refinery attacks was over.

Trump had described an energy ceasefire as applying to both Moscow and Kyiv, but his public remarks focused largely on Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries. He said those attacks had to stop, according to the article.

Starlink restrictions disrupt operations

Ukraine’s military has faced limits on its use of SpaceX’s Starlink service. The restrictions affected military-grade receivers on fast-moving objects, disrupting drones that use the connection for guidance over Ukrainian territory.

Dispute over responsibility

Musk initially blamed Trump for restrictions on Starlink speed for Ukrainian military users. He later denied involvement, saying the commercial service was controlled by SpaceX and should be limited to civilian or defensive activity.

Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski accused Musk of playing politics in a post on X. Musk had earlier said Starlink would not switch off its terminals or be used as leverage, despite his disagreement with Ukraine policy.

Wider strain with Washington

The article says Kyiv has also reported not receiving its usual Western warnings about incoming Russian missiles, which rely on US satellite detectors. Ukrainian officials fear a worsening dispute with Washington could have serious consequences on the battlefield because the military depends on US-provided technology.