Zelensky says he feels betrayed by Trump and Elon Musk over fuel deal and Starlink limits

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told British host Piers Morgan on October 14, 2026 that he feels betrayed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX owner Elon Musk, linking the sentiment to Washington’s purchase of Russian diesel and new speed restrictions on Starlink terminals used by Ukrainian forces.

The remarks underscore mounting tension in the U.S.–Ukraine alliance as Kyiv relies on satellite connectivity for frontline coordination, while political friction in Washington threatens to curtail essential support.

“It’s a pity that we are losing a strong partner,” Zelensky said, adding that Trump’s decision to buy Russian fuel feels like “choosing the wrong side of history.”

Trump’s administration announced a deal to import Russian diesel in an effort to stabilize global fuel markets ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, a move Zelensky described as aligning with Kremlin interests and abandoning Ukrainian needs.

“People will die if attacks continue and Starlink does not work,” Zelensky warned, urging Elon Musk to “switch it on” and describing the restriction as a “big mistake” that might be a technical error.

SpaceX later clarified that its Starshield system is owned and controlled by the U.S. government, while Starlink remains a commercial service. Musk emphasized that any limitations on speed or usage are set by the U.S. military and that the service is intended for civilian or defensive operations, not offensive warfare.

Ukraine has depended on Starlink since early in the conflict to maintain real‑time communications between units, especially after Russian airstrikes disrupted traditional networks. The recent throttling has strained Kyiv’s ability to issue early‑warning alerts and coordinate defenses.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov suggested the Starlink slowdown is not coincidental, linking it to the current political dispute with Trump over Ukraine’s targeting of Russian energy facilities.

Zelensky concluded by calling on the United States to restore full support, noting that the nation’s future security posture will hinge on whether political disagreements translate into enduring operational constraints for Ukraine’s defense forces.