ZELENSKYY OUTMANEUVERS TRUMP AGAIN What began as an attempt to pressure Ukraine through Starlink restrictions appears to have backfired politically. The United States reportedly restored critical satellite communications for Ukrainian forces, while lawmakers from both parties intensified pressure on the Trump administration. On October 22–23, several congressional initiatives emerged. A bipartisan group of lawmakers demanded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expand the Pentagon’s Starshield contract with SpaceX and restore Ukraine’s full access to Starlink and Starshield without speed restrictions. Three members of Congress representing Silicon Valley called on White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to investigate who authorized the restrictions and whether SpaceX violated its government contracts. They requested a briefing within 14 days. Meanwhile, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick introduced legislation alongside Republican Don Bacon and Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. The proposal would reverse the Treasury Department’s October 9 authorization involving Russian diesel transactions and require continued U.S. intelligence sharing and satellite imagery support for Ukraine. Any suspension of such assistance would require notification to congressional intelligence committees within 24 hours. According to The New York Times, senators from both parties also warned that they could block Trump administration nominees until critical satellite communications for Ukraine were restored. Fitzpatrick reportedly went further, threatening consequences for officials responsible for the restrictions, including potential dismissals and departmental budget cuts. The controversy has reportedly angered not only Democrats but also Republicans who support Ukraine. Trump appears to have retreated under mounting pressure. But the larger political consequences may only be beginning. Instead of weakening Ukraine, the Starlink controversy has given its supporters in Congress another reason to challenge the administration. And with the November elections approaching, this confrontation could become even more significant. Zelenskyy may have turned another moment of vulnerability into political leverage in Washington.

🇺🇦🇺🇸 Zelensky: The most important thing for today: we have resumed the work of Starlink and Starshield at the speed that was before all these restrictions. The restoration began last night, and in the morning there were already speeds sufficient for using this connection. I thank all the Americans, all our partners, who took all this seriously and are really helping us. Thank you to the congressmen, senators, all the media, the State Department and the President.