Conflicting Claims Emerge Over Starlink Service Restoration in Ukraine
Trump asserts full speed restored, while Zelenskyy and others report continued curbs on critical battlefield communications.
Carla Rooney
Conflicting reports have surfaced regarding the operational status of Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine.
A No 10 spokeswoman confirmed the Prime Minister "underlined the importance for Ukraine to have full access to Starlink so they can continue to defend themselves against Russia’s full-scale invasion." This diplomatic intervention followed mounting strain between Washington and Kyiv.
Donald Trump claims SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had restored Ukraine's Starlink access, stating, "I guess the bottom line, he put it back." This assertion came after the slowdown reportedly began following public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by both Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The US president reportedly asked Musk to restore the service.
I guess the bottom line, he put it back.
However, a senior European official told the Associated Press that Starshield operations had not changed despite Trump's comments.
Explosions were reported overnight in the Lutsk, Poltava, and Sumy regions of Ukraine. Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, reported a Russian attack hit one of its thermal power plants, halting operations.
Russia claimed strikes on ships in the Black Sea. Russia and Ukraine remain engaged in ongoing attacks despite US efforts to end the conflict.
Russia stated its readiness to resume US-mediated talks with Ukraine next month, focusing on security guarantees for both countries and European security. President Zelenskyy said technical-level peace negotiations between representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are planned for early November in Abu Dhabi.
The Prime Minister recognized President Trump's work to bring Putin to the negotiation table. A No 10 spokeswoman stated, "the leaders agreed to work together, alongside international partners, to bring an end to the bloodshed."
The leaders agreed to work together, alongside international partners, to bring an end to the bloodshed.
Downing Street previously rejected the US envoy's characterization of Vladimir Putin as a 'humanitarian'. Prime Minister Burnham also welcomed President Zelenskyy to Downing Street and pledged continued UK support for Ukraine.
Across Europe, student-led protests concerning school resources, housing, and cost-of-living are occurring in cities including Rome, Athens, Madrid, and Paris. French authorities have banned some protests due to fears of violence and looting. President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to meet with student leaders in Paris.