EN DIRECT, guerre en Ukraine : « Starlink est vraiment indispensable pour Kiev » et l’UE reconnaît qu’elle « ne peut pas remplacer cette capacité à court terme »

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the resumption of attacks on Russian oil refineries, defying a proposed energy ceasefire suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky stated that the pause in strikes against Russian refineries was lifted, challenging Trump’s call for a temporary halt to such operations, which Russia had not agreed to. Trump criticized the resumption of these attacks, calling them a “shame” and suggesting there were many other potential targets. He further claimed that working with Zelensky is more difficult than working with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The renewed tensions came amid concerns in Kyiv about the sustainability of American support and the possibility of U.S. assistance to Russia. Zelensky expressed disappointment over not being warned of imminent Russian attacks and noted restrictions on the use of satellite services from SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, which are critical for Ukrainian military operations. During a meeting in Brussels with NATO and European Union leaders, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized discussions on implementing an energy ceasefire and maintaining continuous support for Ukraine from NATO allies. European Union officials acknowledged limitations in replacing Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, in the near term. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated during a summit in Brussels that Starlink is essential for Ukraine and that the EU currently lacks the capability to replace this capacity immediately. She mentioned ongoing discussions about improving defense preparedness to address this gap. EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing aid to Ukraine and maintaining sanctions against Russia until Moscow ends its war. European Council President Antonio Costa assured Zelensky that the EU would continue supporting Ukraine, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that no sanctions would be lifted unless Russia stops the conflict. Trump reiterated his criticism of Zelensky, stating that he does not believe Zelensky is the right person to negotiate an agreement, claiming Zelensky says he wants one but does not truly want it. He added that he does not like Zelensky much. This comes after Zelensky accused Trump of betraying Ukraine by negotiating with Russia over the supply of diesel fuel, which Trump had announced would be available to the U.S. and global markets in exchange for lifting some sanctions. Zelensky expressed frustration over the lack of intelligence warnings and restrictions on internet access, which reportedly led to failed drone missions. Trump, in a Newsmax interview, criticized Zelensky for raising global oil prices through attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that such actions do not benefit the world. The situation highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv, with Zelensky seeking continued Western support while facing criticism from Trump, who has previously questioned the effectiveness of current strategies and the leadership of Zelensky. Meanwhile, the EU continues to stress the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and ensuring uninterrupted support for Ukraine, despite challenges in replacing critical infrastructure like Starlink.