Trump Declines to Blame Putin for Ukraine War, Denies Starlink Interference

Former President Donald Trump has declined to directly blame Russian President Vladimir Putin for initiating the war in Ukraine, stating his primary goal is to end the conflict. His remarks place him at odds with the United States and its allies regarding the ongoing war.

Trump also denied that the U.S. was responsible for any disruptions to Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite communication system, which is crucial for its military operations. "We didn't do that. We didn't slow it down at all," Trump stated regarding the reported restrictions.

The Ukraine war began in 2022 when Putin ordered an invasion of the neighboring country with the stated aim of overthrowing its pro-Western government. Since then, the conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, with missiles and drones frequently targeting the capital, Kyiv.

When questioned if he had forgotten that Putin started the war, Trump did not provide a direct answer, suggesting the situation was complex. "I know the details, OK, and at some point I'll release the details," he said. "But I don't care anything except for one. I want that war ended."

Trump also reiterated critical remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him "not a big fan" and stating that Zelensky was "more difficult to deal with than Putin." He has previously suggested Ukraine needed new leadership and claimed Putin was more amenable to a peace deal.

Zelensky, speaking at a summit in Brussels, acknowledged suggestions that he was being scapegoated by Trump for rising fuel prices. He had previously accused Trump of betraying Ukraine by limiting the use of U.S.-made Starlink terminals, vital for battlefield communications and drone warfare.

Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, provides internet connectivity via satellites. The system has been essential for Ukrainian drones, allowing them to maintain contact with operators over long distances and counter Russian aerial threats. Reports indicated that Starlink had temporarily restricted drone speeds on Tuesday night, but connectivity was restored by Wednesday evening.

The U.S. government has authorized Ukraine's use of Starlink and its military-grade counterpart, Starshield. The recent dispute over Starlink access occurred amid other tensions, including Trump's reported deal to purchase Russian diesel fuel, which critics argue could fund Russia's war effort. Trump also unilaterally declared that Ukraine and Russia had agreed not to target each other's energy facilities, a claim Zelensky later refuted due to continued Russian attacks.

Trump criticized the impact of these actions on global oil prices, stating, "All he's doing is making the world oil price higher. Well, I think that's a disgrace."

These developments have raised concerns about potential reductions in U.S. support for Ukraine. During a visit to Washington D.C., British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting sought to foster harmony between the White House and Kyiv and advocated for continued American support, warning that rewarding Russian aggression could have consequences beyond Ukraine and Europe.