Report: White House behind move that limited Ukrainian strikes

The White House ordered the Pentagon to restrict Ukrainian use of SpaceX's military satellite system 'Starshield', according to a Reuters report. The restriction disrupted drone operations and led to the cancellation of frontline missions. Trump pressured Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, claiming it raises energy prices and harms Republican chances in the midterm elections. In an interview, Trump called Zelenskyy 'a disgrace'. Experts assess that the price surge stems from the war with Iran.

The White House is behind the decision to restrict Ukrainian use of SpaceX's military satellite system 'Starshield', according to Reuters, citing two American officials and a Western official. According to the report, Pentagon chiefs were instructed to slow the service for the Ukrainian military, causing disruptions in drone operations and cancellation of frontline missions. The temporary restriction came as US President Donald Trump pressured Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, claiming it raises global energy prices and harms the Republican Party's chances in the November midterm elections. In an interview with Newsmax, Trump attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him 'a disgrace' and adding that he is 'not a big fan of his'. However, experts interviewed by Reuters assess that the surge in energy prices originates from the war with Iran, not from Ukrainian strikes. A senior American official said 'no such request was made by the president', and the White House did not respond to whether other officials made the request. The Ukrainian military was surprised to discover the restrictions two days ago, without prior warning.