Why it’s important: The twin developments have further strained relations between the United States and Ukraine, as the war with Russia drags on and the Trump administration sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week in lifting sanctions on Russian oil sales.
State of play: This decision angered Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by calling it a “weak decision” and a “gift to Putin.” Trump then called on Ukraine to elect a new president.
- The crisis intensified this week when Elon Musk’s SpaceX restricted service to Starlink – a satellite service used for defensive purposes in combat – while Starshield, a tool used for offensive war operations controlled by the US government, was also slowed.
- After more than a day, services were restored. Meanwhile, Ukraine fired on a Russian oil refinery, something U.S. officials are unlikely to view kindly.
- The Ukrainian official said the country resumed strikes because Russia continued to hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, despite Trump’s announcement that the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire.
- This statement surprised Zelensky.
The bottom line: Many people within the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government remain unsure whether or not Trump ordered the satellite restrictions.
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