Russia bombed heavily - but the real blow to Zelensky came from the US

The Starlink satellite network, used by the Ukrainian military, was unexpectedly restricted, while Russia launched an unprecedented ballistic barrage that left hundreds of thousands without power. In Kyiv, officials suspect American pressure, while Washington denies any disruption to intelligence sharing. Zelensky expressed disappointment over the move.

Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network, used by the Ukrainian military to manage combat operations, was unexpectedly restricted. Simultaneously, Russia launched an unprecedented ballistic barrage against Ukraine, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. In Kyiv, officials suspect the restriction is part of a pressure campaign by the Trump administration, which demands that Ukraine cease attacks on Russian oil refineries to allow diesel to flow to global markets and lower prices ahead of the US midterm elections. Zelensky, who had already paused the attacks as a gesture, expressed disappointment and said Ukraine is losing a strong partner. Musk wrote on social media that Zelensky went too far. Alongside the satellite crisis, concerns are growing in Kyiv that Washington may follow through on a veiled threat to reduce intelligence sharing vital for warning against Russian attacks, after the Ukrainian Air Force noted it received no advance warning before the first wave of strikes. However, US officials denied that any threat to halt intelligence sharing was made.