Ukraine War Briefing: Zelenskyy Criticizes US Over Starlink Access 2026

Ukraine war briefing: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the United States for its unwillingness to help Ukraine after a deadly Russian bomb attack on Thursday killed at least 35 people in the eastern city of Kramatorsk. The strike, which tore through two buses, pushed the two-day death toll from Russian strikes to more than 70, according to Ukrainian officials.

Hours after the attack, Zelenskyy accused Washington of pursuing economic ties with Russia while also seeking to mediate the more than four-year war. Speaking to reporters in Pryluky, he urged the US to expand Ukraine’s access to the Starlink satellite service to help target Russian ballistic-missile launchers.

Zelenskyy’s Call for Expanded Starlink Access

“Open Starlink for Ukraine. You did open it when you were responding to Iran ... I’ve said quite openly – give it to us, help us defend our skies and dominate there. And then Putin will sit down at the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy said. His plea underscores Ukraine’s reliance on the SpaceX-owned satellite network for military communications and drone operations.

The Ukrainian leader’s criticism signals growing frustration with the Biden administration’s approach, which Kyiv views as overly cautious. The US has provided billions in aid but has been hesitant to escalate direct involvement.

Deadly Russian Assault on Kramatorsk

The strike on Kramatorsk, a city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, hit two public buses during morning rush hour. UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was appalled by the “horrifying strike” and condemned the wave of attacks killing civilians across Ukraine over the past four days.

“The scale and manner of these attacks – killing and injuring people on buses, at their homes and work in different areas of the country – is reprehensible,” Turk said in a statement. In the last two days, 78 people were killed and 215 wounded by strikes across Ukraine, according to UN figures.

Key Takeaways from the Ukraine War Briefing

• Zelenskyy criticizes US for prioritizing economic ties with Russia while mediating the war.
• Starlink access is crucial for Ukraine to target Russian ballistic-missile launchers.
• Deadly attacks in Kramatorsk and across Ukraine have killed 78 and wounded 215 in two days.
• UN condemnation highlights the reprehensible scale of civilian casualties.

Comparison of US Starlink Support: Ukraine vs. Iran

The comparison highlights Ukraine’s frustration: while the US swiftly enabled Starlink for Iran during protests, it has been more cautious with Ukraine, fearing escalation with Russia.

International Reactions and Implications

UN rights chief Volker Turk’s statement reflects mounting international outrage. The attacks on civilians, including buses and homes, violate international humanitarian law. Zelenskyy’s appeal for Starlink access is part of a broader strategy to pressure Western allies for more advanced military support.

As the war enters its fifth year, Ukraine faces a critical juncture. Without expanded Starlink access, its ability to counter Russian missile threats remains constrained. The US has not yet responded to Zelenskyy’s latest request.

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