Susanna Riva In a confidential phone call, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham drew US President Donald Trump 's attention to the need for Ukraine to maintain full access to the Starlink satellite constellation . This intervention was described as crucial to allowing Kiev to defend itself from Russian air and missile attacks, as well as a possible large-scale invasion.
Burnham also praised Trump's efforts to bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, emphasizing their shared willingness to work with international partners to end the "blood throes" that continue to grip Eastern Europe.
Burnham and Trump clash over Ukrainian access to Starlink
According to information from Downing Street, the conversation was marked by a tone of solidarity: Burnham reiterated that “the importance of Ukraine having full access” to the satellite network is essential to the country's defense capacity.
Trump, for his part, recognized the strategic value of Starlink as a “vital tool for resistance” and confirmed his intention to continue working closely with allies to ensure the service does not face further restrictions.
Trump's words on the Starlink issue
In the afternoon, the president declared that he would personally monitor the situation: "Still having problems with Starlink in Ukraine? I'll take a look."
The response came shortly after, when Elon Musk , CEO of SpaceX , was accused of "restoring" the service's military functions. However, Kiev's spokesperson categorically denied any changes, stating that "Nothing has changed" and that the speed restrictions remain in effect.
Starlink: Between Trump's Statements, Musk's, and Kiev's Responses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky complained to the Hudson Institute that speed limits on Starlink and the military version of Starshield are still in place, hindering the delivery of anti-missile interceptors. Zelensky emphasized that the lack of these systems makes defense operations "a real problem," as Russian forces attack almost daily. Despite Trump's promises, the satellite network has not returned to full capacity, and the city of Kiev echoes its president's concerns.
Comments by Elon Musk
On his X profile, Musk expressed a harsh criticism of the conflict, observing that "the elite are getting rich while the people are dying in war." The entrepreneur justified the suspensions as necessary for security reasons, but his words sparked a heated debate about the responsibility of private companies in the war.
Humanitarian truce in Oleshky: Melania Trump's role
In parallel with the connectivity discussion, First Lady Melania Trump intervened to broker a ceasefire in Oleshky , a border town currently under Russian control. According to the Ukrainian Parliament's Human Rights Commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, a humanitarian operation will be launched on October 29th to ensure both the ceasefire and the delivery of vital aid, as well as the free movement of civilians. Melania stated that without her intervention, it would have been impossible to provide assistance to Oleshky, where the population is predominantly composed of elderly people in extremely vulnerable conditions.
Reactions from Moscow and the Ukrainian authorities
The Russian Defense Ministry announced a truce effective at 4 a.m. on October 27, while the Kremlin warned that a complete evacuation of the population could take several days. Kiev, for its part, confirmed that the truce is in effect and that the authorities are coordinating the entry of humanitarian aid, but also noted that Starlink restrictions remain an obstacle to communications on the ground.
The week has highlighted a series of intersections between diplomacy, technology, and humanitarian operations: on the one hand, Western leaders insist on the continuity of Starlink for Ukrainian defense; on the other, Musk's conflicting statements and Kiev's denials demonstrate that the situation remains complex. Meanwhile, Melania Trump's efforts to secure a truce in Oleshky represent a rare point of convergence between international politics and humanitarian intervention, demonstrating how every action, both military and civilian, affects the dynamics of this protracted conflict.