Key facts
- US government limited Starlink use for Ukrainian military drones.
- Ukraine's military drone attacks on Russian targets were halted due to Starlink issues.
- US reportedly threatened to cut intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
- British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting met with US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
- Streeting argued that supporting Ukraine is in the US's national self-interest.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting visited Washington to urge the US to continue its support for Ukraine, aiming to ease tensions following a dispute over the use of Starlink satellite internet for Ukrainian military drones. Streeting acknowledged the "challenges of recent days," referencing the US government's decision on Monday to restrict Starlink usage for Ukrainian drones, which he stated would significantly impact Kyiv's war effort. He also highlighted the "enormous opportunity" for the US in supporting Ukraine through future defense-industrial relationships. The Starlink issue arose after Ukrainian officials reported that terminals on drones ceased functioning at speeds above 100 mph, halting mid-strike attacks and raising concerns about intercepting Russian aircraft. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly felt betrayed by the US government's actions, with reports suggesting the US also threatened to cease intelligence sharing if Ukraine continued attacks on Russian oil refineries. Streeting's visit and speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies preceded a meeting with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, amidst broader discussions on Ukraine, Iran, and the Middle East, including the safety of US military bases in the UK and potential joint efforts to aid Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks.