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Welcome to logout: Is Trump attacking Ukraine?
What’s going on? Ukraine says its access to Starlink, the satellite internet system run by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, and Starshield, the military version of the same technology, is limited as President Donald Trump’s animosity toward the country increases.
Why is Trump angry at Ukraine? Trump has been hot and cold on Ukraine since returning to power, but his current anger is fueled by oil prices and successful Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries – particularly in the run-up to the US midterm elections.
Last week, Trump announced a U.S.-Russia diesel deal, which angered both parties and is unlikely to do much, if anything, for U.S. diesel prices. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal, leading Trump to lash out and call for Zelenskyy’s replacement.
Over the weekend, Trump also announced an “ENERGY CEASEFIRE” between Ukraine and Russia that doesn’t really seem to exist. “Both parties agree,” he wrote. “Don’t break it!” (Russia appears to have broken it the same day, while Ukraine is complying for now.)
Is Ukraine really responsible for the rise in oil prices? In part, but not mainly; as the BBC explains, while strikes on Ukrainian refineries play a role, continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf oil industry due to Trump’s war with Iran have had a greater impact (although Trump has tried to blame Ukraine).
Why is Starlink so important? Starlink and Starshield provide vital communications infrastructure in Ukraine, particularly on the battlefield. This technology is also used to control Ukrainian offensive and defensive drones, which have become a key part of Ukraine’s military efforts against Russia.
What’s next? Even though neither Russia nor Ukraine have apparently signed Trump’s “ENERGY CEASEFIRE” and Russia continues to attack Ukrainian energy facilities, Trump is trying to tie Ukraine to it: The United States reportedly threatened to suspend US intelligence sharing, which helped give Ukraine early warning of Russian missile attacks, if Ukraine strikes more Russian refineries.
And with that, it’s time to disconnect…
I enjoyed this New York Times article, linked to Pope Leo
Thank you for reading, have a good evening and see you tomorrow!
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