Starlink access still not fully restored for Ukraine’s military, says Zelenskyy

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian military’s access to the Starlink satellite internet service has not been fully restored, with reports indicating the White House ordered the throttling of the military version, Starshield, to limit its use on high-speed drones.
• Zelenskyy met with EU leaders in Brussels to request an additional €70 billion for Ukraine’s defense in 2027, emphasizing the high cost of the ongoing war and the need for continued financial support beyond the current €90 billion EU funding plan.
• Former US President Donald Trump criticized Zelenskyy’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries as raising global oil prices and called the actions a “disgrace,” while energy analysts noted that conflicts including the US-Israeli war on Iran have significantly impacted diesel exports.
• The EU continues to debate the use of Russia’s €210 billion frozen assets within the bloc to fund Ukraine, with Zelenskyy proposing an EU-controlled custodian to manage the funds and mitigate risks, though opposition remains, especially from Belgium.
• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned Russia’s disregard for the proposed energy ceasefire and pledged to maintain and intensify sanctions against Russia until the war ends, signaling continued EU support for Ukraine despite challenges.