Ukraine has reportedly launched a massive attack on a Russian airfield. The strike on the Borisoglebsk airfield in Voronezh Oblast, comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has been “betrayed” by US President Donald Trump.
Starlink Access Blocked Overnight
Zelensky claims that Trump and ally Elon Musk deliberately blocked Starlink access for Ukraine overnight, with the Ukrainian military facing slowdowns in speed. Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company. It provides high-speed broadband globally.
Asked by Piers Morgan if he had been “betrayed” by the Trump administration, Zelensky answered, “Yes.”It’s a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” Mr Zelensky said while appearing on the YouTube talk show, “Piers Morgan Uncensored”.
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Zelensky’s Response to Starlink Blockade
Zelensky told Mr Morgan: “I am sure they knew what they did, absolutely. Because it was 1am at night, Starlink was blocked by SpaceX and the United States.
“This decision will bring a lot of human losses. Of course, people will die.”
Zelensky also told Mr Morgan that Ukraine would not be sold. “We’re not selling our country. Look, guys, it’s not about business for us. It’s our lives. It’s our country, our home, our children,” he said.
Escalating Military Tensions
Musk, in response, said: “And so the slaughter continues … Time for Zelensky to go”.
This week, Russian air attacks killed at least nine people in Ukraine and left hundreds of thousands without power and just days after Donald Trump announced an “energy ceasefire”.
Ukrainian forces were forced to cancel missions after losing access to high-speed services. It led Musk to declare that any military use of the Starlink network was a matter for the US government and the US president.
Starlink vs Starshield: Government Response
He said: “Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.
“Starlink is a commercial service owned and controlled by SpaceX.
“Usage of Starlink is limited to civilian or defensive activities and cannot be used for offensive military action, as doing so would be inappropriate for a commercial company.”
Axios reported that Zelensky’s top advisors spoke to White House officials on Wednesday and asked whether there was a decision to shut down Starlink and what could be done to remedy the situation.
The news outlet reported that two White House officials said Ukraine had contacted the Pentagon, which has control over Starshield, and that the defence department does not have control over Starlink.
Trump was reportedly reaching out to SpaceX to determine what transpired.
