Donald Trump refuses to blame Putin for starting Ukraine war as US President says America did not throttle Starlink satellite system Zelensky’s forces rely on
Donald Trump declined to say that Vladimir Putin was responsible for starting Russia’s war against Ukraine, saying he wanted the conflict ended and would disclose details later. His comments add to tensions with Britain and other allies, as he has criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and described him as harder to deal with than Putin.
Trump also denied that the US had slowed Ukraine’s access to Starlink, which is used for military communications and drone operations. The article says Starlink unexpectedly restricted drone connectivity on Tuesday night, with service restored by Wednesday evening; it also notes disputes over energy-site attacks, US support and a reported deal to buy Russian diesel.
- Trump would not directly blame Putin for starting the war.
- He denied the US restricted Ukraine’s Starlink access.
- Starlink connectivity was restored by Wednesday evening.
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Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, widening a conflict that began with Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and fighting in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine is led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, while Vladimir Putin is Russia’s president.
The United States has provided Ukraine with military and other support, and its policy matters to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Starlink, a satellite internet service run by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, has been used by Ukrainian forces for communications, including drone operations.
Britain and other European allies have backed Ukraine and have treated Russia’s invasion as a central security concern. Their relations with Washington can be affected by differences over how to approach the war and the roles of Ukraine, Russia and outside support.
Both sides, in good faith
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The case for
Trump’s supporters could argue that avoiding a public assignment of blame may preserve room for negotiations and that his priority should be ending the war rather than trading accusations. They may also say that denying US responsibility for the Starlink disruption is appropriate unless evidence shows Washington ordered it, and that reassessing military support can serve US interests and encourage a settlement.
The case against
Critics could argue that refusing to identify Putin as the initiator of Russia’s invasion blurs responsibility and risks weakening the principle that borders cannot be changed by force. They may see uncertainty over Starlink access and shifting US support as undermining Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and allies’ confidence in American commitments, while giving Moscow greater leverage in negotiations.
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