Ukraine warns of harsh winter as Starlink limits boost Russian attacks, seeks EU aid
Ukraine's first deputy minister said Russian strikes on infrastructure are intensifying after U.S. restrictions on Starlink, while President Zelenskyy appealed to European leaders for winter energy, air-defence and financial support.
Ukraine is preparing for a challenging winter after the United States limited the battlefield use of SpaceX's Starlink service, a move Ukrainian officials say has encouraged Russia to increase attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Serhiy Derkach, the first deputy minister for recovery, infrastructure and transport, told CNBC that Russian forces have stepped up strikes on bridges in Kyiv, railway networks and border crossings, threatening to isolate nearly two million residents on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. He said Ukrainians are already enduring blackouts lasting four to twelve hours a day.
"With U.S. limiting the use of Starlinks on the battlefield, Russia feels that this is their moment to try and inflict even more pain and suffering on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure," Derkach said.
Zelenskyy used a meeting in Brussels to call on European leaders for a winter support package that would include energy assistance, additional air-defence systems and funding. He thanked the EU Council, Commission and member-state leaders, describing them as "real leaders" for standing by Kyiv since the war began.
"I'm so thankful that we have such huge support from EU Council Commission and leaders – real leaders," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president's remarks came amid growing tension with U.S. President Donald Trump after the Starlink restrictions and after Zelenskyy publicly criticized Trump’s approach to the conflict. EU officials preparing for the summit reportedly plan to advise Zelenskyy to moderate his rhetoric toward the United States.
Trump recently announced a tentative agreement with Russia to halt attacks on each other's power infrastructure, a proposal aimed at stabilising oil and diesel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Zelenskyy welcomed the idea but called the arrangement "weak" and noted that Ukraine had paused strikes on Russian energy targets for three days in line with Washington's request. Russia has not confirmed the ceasefire, saying talks are ongoing.
Russian authorities did not respond to requests for comment.