U.S. Starlink Restrictions May Embolden Russia's Attacks on Ukraine
A senior Ukrainian official warned that restrictions placed by the U.S. on military use of SpaceX’s Starlink service have emboldened Russian forces to intensify attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy systems in preparation for winter. Serhiy Derkach, Ukraine’s first deputy minister for recovery, infrastructure, and transport, told CNBC that Russia is exploiting this moment to cause more suffering by targeting bridges, railways, and border crossings. Derkach emphasized the growing challenges as blackouts lasting 4–12 hours per day are already affecting Ukrainians. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for European support at a summit in Brussels, seeking energy assistance and air defenses to prepare for winter. Tensions between Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump have also strained relations with Washington. Zelenskyy praised Europe’s backing but faces pressure from EU leaders to tone down his public criticism of Trump. Meanwhile, Russia has not confirmed participation in a proposed “energy ceasefire” announced by Trump, which aimed to reduce attacks on energy infrastructure.
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Topics: energy infrastructure Russia Starlink restrictions Ukraine winter crisis
Part of the story Elon Musk Ordered Starlink Slowdown That Affected Ukraine's Military Operations (4 articles)