Reports indicate that within Donald Trump’s administration, no one is willing to take responsibility for a recent decision believed to have originated from a small circle around the president, particularly SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and special representative Steve Witkoff. According to sources, Musk was motivated to “punish Ukraine for strikes on Russian refineries.”
A government official informed The Economist that Musk reached out to the White House only after implementing restrictions.
The publication notes Musk’s complicated relationship with Ukraine. In 2022, he utilized a similar mechanism to halt drone attacks near Crimea and has frequently criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky, recently accusing the Ukrainian government of corruption just days ago on October 23.
Despite this, Musk’s provision of satellite communication in the early days of the war was crucial for Ukraine’s survival.
One insider claims that Musk generally sympathizes with Ukraine, although it sometimes appears that Russian President Vladimir Putin manages to influence him first.
A source within the US government asserts that Trump does not aim to compel Ukraine to capitulate but has fallen victim to a “successful Russian information operation.” According to this source, Trump is engulfed in panic over disastrous poll results ahead of the midterm elections, making Zelensky a convenient scapegoat.
Trump’s representatives, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, mistakenly believe Putin’s actions stem from economic and territorial interests rather than nationalist ambitions, rendering them vulnerable to Russian manipulation. A former official commented on Trump creating a dire situation, stating he is “dependent on idiots.”
Critics suggest Zelensky’s remarks about Trump may stem from the assumption that a crushing electoral defeat would weaken his position. However, this assumption is flawed. A Congressional staffer stated that the more Democrats investigate Trump’s actions in pursuit of impeachment, the more aggressively he will act, which “will not benefit Ukraine.”
Context
- On October 14, it was reported that Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces began losing connectivity at high speeds, complicating drone missions, frontline logistics, reconnaissance, and retransmission. This also hindered the use of interceptor drones to destroy enemy drones.
- Musk stated that Starshield military service restrictions are determined by US military and the president. Reuters, citing sources, reported that the order came from the White House. Trump has repeatedly claimed he is not involved and does not know who made the decision.
- No one in Washington has publicly taken responsibility for the decision regarding the restrictions. Despite several media reports suggesting they have been lifted, according to Zelensky as of October 23, these restrictions remain in effect.
