Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the United States for resuming intelligence sharing on Russian missile strikes, while accusing the former Trump administration of deliberately throttling Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine amid a larger political dispute. Zelenskyy’s remarks came in an interview broadcast Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press.
Zelenskyy said that the United States had temporarily blocked vital intelligence related to impending Russian ballistic missile attacks, which have increasingly targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities as winter approaches. He acknowledged that the intelligence flow was restored “by the American side,” emphasizing its crucial role in providing early warning of Moscow’s missile launches. “Only the United States has this unique intelligence to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine did not receive such notifications during a three-day period of attacks.
Additionally, Zelenskyy attributed a sudden reduction in internet speeds in Ukraine’s Starlink satellite network to interference linked to the U.S. government. He asserted that SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company operating the network, had slowed the service on orders from the American administration, framing it as a message related to tensions between Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump.
The former president, who has pursued a more conciliatory approach toward Russia, previously initiated a unilateral “energy ceasefire” that has since collapsed amid ongoing strikes. Trump has also sought to ease sanctions on Russia and approved diesel imports from Moscow, moves criticized by Kyiv. Zelenskyy characterized Trump’s policies as “mistakes” that ultimately harm both Ukraine and the United States, expressing hope that the former president will revise his stance.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent swiftly rejected Zelenskyy’s allegations regarding the Starlink slowdown, calling the accusations “reckless” and citing statements from Trump and Senator Marco Rubio denying any administration involvement.
The conflict’s intensity escalated as Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Overnight raids involving more than 1,000 drones targeted oil depots, logistics centers, and data facilities in Russia. Russian authorities reported at least one death and 15 injuries from the strikes. Fires broke out at St. Petersburg’s oil terminal and warehouses, including a logistics center for retailer Ozon and a data center for tech firm VK.
Meanwhile, concerns over the conflict spilling into NATO airspace were heightened after Lithuania ordered residents in central and northern areas to take shelter following detection of an unidentified flying object. Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed regret over the possible drone incursion, attributing it to Russian electronic warfare tactics that might have diverted Ukrainian drones off course.
Closer to the frontlines, Russian missile attacks struck the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing one woman and wounding two others. The strikes damaged apartment buildings, vehicles, and an educational institution, according to local military officials.
The developments reflect growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington, with U.S. President Joe Biden publicly criticizing Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian oil facilities. The situation adds complexity to ongoing negotiations and aid discussions as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists.