Restricted use
Another recent internet-related problem arose with the alleged interference of a high-ranking United States official that ordered the restricted use of the military version of the satellite internet service by the Ukrainian army, which is fighting a brave battle for their nation’s survival.
The US military and the White House ordered the restriction of the Starshield satellite internet system — the military variant of Starlink — used by Ukraine. This prevented Ukrainian drones from attacking Russian oil refineries.
US President Donald Trump, who is a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, made a deal to buy Russian diesel. Diesel is in short supply in the US, impairing the efforts of Trump’s Republican Party to keep control of Congress in the Nov. 3 midterm elections this year.
The internet restriction pressured Ukrainian leader President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. Oil sales are the source of Russia’s wealth, and helping to fund Putin’s war on Ukraine.
The internet restriction prevented Ukrainian drones from reaching their targets while Russian drones and missiles rained down on Ukraine’s cities and power stations. Zelenskyy has spoken out against the deal, saying it empowered the Russian economy and, by extension, Putin to continue its attacks on his country. In effect, Zelenskyy said President Trump was helping Russia attack Ukraine.
The internet restriction also put Ukrainians in greater danger, as there were no warnings of Russian attacks. The satellite restrictions severely compromised Ukraine’s defense systems. Without proper connectivity, Ukrainian forces were unable to receive early air raid warnings or properly intercept a subsequent barrage of over 850 Russian drones. More people died in the bombardments.
The US explicitly threatened to stop exchanging critical military intelligence if Ukraine refused to halt its drone attacks on Russian refineries.
Following Ukraine’s resumption of strikes against a Rosneft refinery in Ryazan, Trump labeled the actions a “disgrace” and publicly declared that Ukraine needs a new president.
Zelenskyy said in an interview that the moves mean “Ukraine is losing a strong partner in the US” and that Trump is being pushed onto the wrong side of history.
European allies have also expressed intense frustration and anger, viewing the US actions as a major stab in the back to the Western coalition. (shaycullen@gmail.com)/PN
