Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who accused Kyiv of driving up global oil prices as reports emerged that the White House had ordered restrictions on a satellite communications system used by Ukraine’s military.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine’s campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, with potential consequences for battlefield operations, international fuel supplies and Western support for Ukraine.
According to a Reuters report published on October 15, citing two US officials and a Western official familiar with the matter, the instruction to limit Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starshield satellite service originated inside the White House. The directive was communicated to senior Pentagon officials, although the sources did not identify the person who authorised it.
A senior US official denied that Trump had personally requested the restrictions. The White House did not clarify whether another administration official had issued the order.
Starshield, a military-grade satellite communications network developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, supports Ukrainian battlefield communications and drone operations. Reports of disruptions emerged as Ukraine continued using drones to strike Russian positions and intercept incoming attacks.
Ukrainian officials said satellite receivers installed on fast-moving equipment had stopped functioning, disrupting some drone missions. A Ukrainian Defence Ministry source told Reuters on October 15 that the receivers had begun working again while moving, but only at speeds below 160 kilometres per hour.
The reported restrictions came amid a wider disagreement over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities. In an interview with Newsmax broadcast on October 15, Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of contributing to higher global fuel prices by targeting facilities involved in Russian diesel production.
“All he’s doing is making the world oil price higher. Well, I think that’s a disgrace,” Trump said, arguing that attacks on diesel production facilities threatened supplies needed by the United States and other countries.
Trump also renewed his criticism of Zelenskyy, saying he found the Ukrainian president more difficult to negotiate with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian refineries on Thursday after a three-day suspension intended to accommodate Trump’s calls for a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy ended the pause after Russia continued striking Ukrainian energy facilities, despite a ceasefire announcement made unilaterally by the US president.
The collapse of the temporary suspension has deepened disagreements over how to protect energy infrastructure while maintaining pressure on Moscow. Kyiv has argued that Russian attacks on its energy facilities cannot be separated from Ukraine’s own efforts to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its invasion.
The dispute has also been complicated by a controversial US agreement with Moscow to ease sanctions in exchange for additional Russian diesel supplies. Under the arrangement described in the original report, Russia is expected to release more than 2.25 million barrels of diesel onto US and international markets.
Zelenskyy has criticised the agreement, warning that additional revenue from energy exports could help finance Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Some US lawmakers have expressed similar concerns about easing restrictions on Russian energy supplies while Moscow continues its military campaign.
The Financial Times has reported that Washington threatened to restrict intelligence sharing and weapons procurement arrangements unless Kyiv halted its attacks on Russian refineries. Together with the reported Starshield restrictions, the account points to growing pressure on Ukraine to align its military strategy with the Trump administration’s approach to negotiations with Moscow.
The developments have raised questions about the reliability of US support at a time when satellite communications, intelligence and military supplies remain important to Ukraine’s defence. However, the available reports do not establish the full scope or duration of the reported restrictions on Starshield.
European leaders have meanwhile reaffirmed their backing for Kyiv. Following talks with Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron said France remained committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks and protecting its civilian population and infrastructure.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also issued a message of support following discussions with European leaders in Brussels. Addressing Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people in a post on X, Tusk wrote: “YOU ARE NOT ALONE“.
The contrasting positions underline the diplomatic challenge facing Ukraine as it seeks to maintain pressure on Russia while preserving support from its Western allies. For Washington, the disagreement centres partly on energy prices and negotiations. For Kyiv, the continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and the financial resources available to Moscow remain central concerns.
