Ukrainian diplomats reported sudden usage restrictions on military-grade Starlink terminals, prompting concerns that the service is being throttled. Elon Musk stated that the Starshield platform is controlled by the US government, with usage limits determined by the Pentagon and the President.
Tensions between the US and Ukraine have escalated following Donald Trump's proposal to purchase Russian diesel and his push for an energy ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed feeling betrayed by these diplomatic shifts, which have also caused friction within the Republican Party.
US Representative Brian Fitzpatrick warned that Congress may take action, including blocking funding for federal agencies, if the administration is found to be restricting Ukraine's communications. Several other Republican lawmakers have also publicly opposed the diesel deal with Russia.
The conflict over energy policy intensified after Trump questioned Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries, which analysts estimate have impacted 40% to 50% of Russia's refining capacity. The US has reportedly requested that Ukraine cease these attacks approximately six times.
On October 9, Trump's aides Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian and European officials to discuss a new peace proposal. On the same day, Trump held a 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin, subsequently announcing a diesel deal and a ceasefire agreement that was reportedly violated shortly after.
