Wes Streeting urges US to back Ukraine on Washington visit after Starlink row

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that Ukraine's access to Starlink satellite communications had been restored after meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Speaking to the BBC following their discussions, Streeting stated that Hegseth had assured him the system was fully operational again. However, the cause of the initial disruption remains unclear, despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Kyiv. The meeting took place amid heightened concerns over U.S. commitments to Ukraine, particularly following recent decisions by President Donald Trump that have raised doubts about American support. Streeting emphasized the importance of maintaining close cooperation between the U.S. and the U.K., noting that both nations have historically played key roles in shaping global events. He highlighted the need for unity in supporting Ukraine, stating that the conflict in the region poses risks beyond Europe. The Starlink disruption reportedly affected Ukrainian military operations, with reports indicating that drone communication systems became inoperable at high speeds. This led to a temporary halt in mid-strike attacks on Russian-held territory and raised concerns about Ukraine's ability to defend against incoming threats. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed personal disappointment with Trump, accusing him of undermining Ukraine's position by restricting the use of U.S.-made Starlink equipment. During his visit to Washington, Streeting addressed these concerns, urging the U.S. to maintain its support for Ukraine. He argued that aiding Ukraine serves both strategic and economic interests for the U.S., emphasizing the potential for growth in the defense industry. Streeting also discussed broader security issues, including the safety of U.S. military bases in the U.K. and possible collaboration with Saudi Arabia amid regional instability. In response to questions about the Starlink outage, Streeting avoided providing specific reasons for the disruption, instead focusing on diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions. He referenced St. Francis of Assisi, invoking the idea of bringing harmony to strained relations between Washington and Kyiv. His remarks underscored the U.K.'s commitment to being Ukraine's primary ally and the importance of continued international solidarity in the face of Russian aggression. The situation highlights the complex interplay of geopolitical dynamics affecting Ukraine, with the U.S. playing a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of the conflict. As tensions persist, the restoration of Starlink services represents a critical step in ensuring uninterrupted communication and coordination for Ukrainian forces.