Former US President Donald Trump has renewed criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alleging that Zelensky does not want the conflict between Ukraine and Russia to end. Speaking on social media, Trump claimed that despite his efforts to negotiate a peace deal and his decision to delay new sanctions on Russia, Zelensky continues offensive operations, particularly targeting Russian oil refineries, which Trump says exacerbate the global energy crisis.
Trump asserted that Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have worsened fuel prices worldwide, impacting both Europe and the United States. He characterized Zelensky as indifferent to ending the war, stating that the Ukrainian leader “probably never did” want peace. Trump also praised Russia for maintaining a limited role in supporting Iran amid its conflict with the United States, emphasizing his desire to keep it that way “unless stupid people get in the way,” remarks widely interpreted as a rebuke of Zelensky.
Tensions between Washington and Kyiv have escalated amid accusations regarding restrictions on Starlink satellite internet services, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Ukraine reported that speed caps imposed on Starlink hindered its ability to counter Russian drone attacks and disrupted battlefield communications. Zelensky publicly suggested that the US government was responsible for slowing the service and claimed that intelligence-sharing with Kyiv had been blocked. However, US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, denied any deliberate restrictions, calling Zelensky’s accusations “very reckless.” The White House also denied ordering the reduction in Starlink’s capabilities, describing it as an inadvertent issue that has since been resolved. Bessent acknowledged that Ukraine does not have access to Starshield, SpaceX's military-grade network.
Earlier reporting indicated that Elon Musk approached Trump about reducing Starlink speeds, with Trump reportedly agreeing, which enabled Pentagon involvement in the matter. This occurred amid warnings from American officials that continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy targets could jeopardize US intelligence-sharing and other forms of support.
Despite the strained relations, Zelensky later stated that intelligence-sharing with the United States had resumed and expressed gratitude for Washington’s assistance. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that its forces had intercepted over 1,000 Ukrainian drones in a recent night of heavy attacks, which included strikes on an oil export terminal in St. Petersburg, a data center for a major Russian social media platform, a bridge, and multiple residential buildings.
Efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled, with Russian President Vladimir Putin maintaining demands for Ukraine to cede control over parts of the eastern Donbas region. As winter approaches, concerns persist about the escalation of hostilities and the impact on global energy supplies and security.