The Aporia
Olsen, H. (2026, October 19). Trump sold out Ukraine for a bad diesel deal. Every ally is watching. Washington Examiner. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/4770812/trump-sold-out-ukraine-russia-diesel-deal/
Olsen, Henry. “Trump sold out Ukraine for a bad diesel deal. Every ally is watching.” Washington Examiner, 19 Oct. 2026, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/4770812/trump-sold-out-ukraine-russia-diesel-deal/.
Olsen, Henry. “Trump sold out Ukraine for a bad diesel deal. Every ally is watching.” Washington Examiner, October 19, 2026. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/4770812/trump-sold-out-ukraine-russia-diesel-deal/.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the U.S. government of restricting access to Starshield, a military version of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet network, which is critical for Ukraine's battlefield communications and drone operations. The restrictions, imposed in response to what Zelenskyy claims was a "message from the American government," have hindered Ukraine's ability to intercept weapons launched by Russia.
Zelenskyy's accusation has led to tensions between Ukraine and the U.S., with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denouncing the Ukrainian president’s public statements as reckless. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump faces criticism for what is perceived as undermining Ukraine's military capabilities in favor of a diesel deal with Russia, despite assurances from officials that no one in the Trump administration gave such orders.
The disruptions to Starshield have caused significant operational challenges, including failed combat missions and communication issues during Russian missile strikes on Kyiv. Despite assertions by U.S. government officials that the system has been fully restored, Ukrainian leaders continue to voice concerns over access to this critical technology.
President Donald Trump’s apparent decision to cut Ukraine’s military off from the use of a key technology that allows it to strike targets deep inside Russia is shortsighted and deeply unwise.
It is yet another example of how the president’s penchant for rapid, 180-degree shifts in policy undermines America’s ability to work with allies, thereby undermining national security.