Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in an online meeting with a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress, discussing pressing issues the country faces. Reports indicate that Ukraine views the unofficial imposition of constraints as a means of pressure to endorse a peace agreement, which could require additional concessions to Russia.
During the dialogue, Zelensky indicated that representatives from former President Donald Trump’s administration, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, suggested that Ukraine should refrain from targeting Russian oil refineries. The inquiries come as concerns grow surrounding the operational limits of the “Starlink” military package in Ukraine and delays by the Pentagon in delivering a significant consignment of Patriot missile defense systems, coinciding with Trump’s diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Media reports earlier suggested that Witkoff and Kushner warned Ukraine that Trump might cut off American intelligence sharing and halt arms sales if attacks on Russian oil facilities continued. However, American officials denied these threats, asserting that Trump’s representatives merely conveyed that the US remains a strong ally providing munitions and intelligence to Ukraine, emphasizing that Ukraine should avoid actions detrimental to American consumers. The White House also refuted any allegations of threats.
Zelensky shared his proposal for a compromise, offering to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries for 30 days in exchange for receiving Patriot interceptor missiles to bolster defenses against Russian ballistic strikes. He noted that this idea did not receive support from American representatives.
Following the meeting, Senators Thom Tillis (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) stressed the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for Ukraine in the US Congress, reaffirming their commitment to assist Kyiv and European allies.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated that intelligence exchanges with Ukraine continue, although he expressed uncertainty regarding the decision to impose restrictions on Starlink services. He criticized Zelensky for not pursuing a peace agreement and claimed the US has provided significant assistance to Ukraine without receiving anything in return.
Reports have circulated that the proposal to limit the military package involving Starshield for Ukraine allegedly originated from American billionaire Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, which operates Starlink. Journalists indicated that Trump did not oppose the proposal.
Context
- On October 14, it was reported that Starlink services for the Ukrainian Armed Forces were restricted. Volunteer Sergey Sternenko noted that connectivity began to falter at speeds over 100 km/h, while some units experienced disruptions at 72 km/h.
- According to journalist Alex Raufoglu from Radio Liberty, the service had previously been unlimited, with the contract active until April 2027 and funded by Germany. Ukraine has demanded the restoration of full service speeds.
- No official explanation for the limitation was provided. Elon Musk stated that restrictions to Starshield are determined by the US military and President Trump, emphasizing that Starlink cannot be used for offensive actions.
- Axios reported that Ukrainian officials reached out to the White House, CIA, and Pentagon to inquire whether a decision was made to suspend Starlink services for Ukraine and what could be done to rectify the situation. Details regarding responses from the CIA and Pentagon were not disclosed, though the White House indicated that they do not control SpaceX.
- On October 15, sources from Radio Liberty reported a restoration of Starshield functionality while in motion. However, Zelensky stated the following day that restrictions on Starlink for the Armed Forces had not been fully lifted.
- Reuters, citing sources, reported that the order to limit Starshield satellite communications originated from the White House.
- Ukraine’s presidential advisor on defense technology development, Sergey Beskrestnov (Flash), informed that as of October 19, the restrictions were still in place, impacting the operation of combat helicopters that intercept Russian drones.
