Senate Republicans and Democrats say they'll block President Trump's nominees until the administration restores Ukraine's critical satellite communications, escalating bipartisan tension over White House Russia policy.
The standoff follows Ukrainian reports of new limits on military drone operations, suspecting a Trump official deliberately throttled the Starshield network run by billionaire Elon Musk. Mr. Trump reportedly called Mr. Musk to restore full access.
Lawmakers from both parties, including Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Thom Tillis, raised concerns with President Volodymyr Zelensky about delayed missile interceptors, intelligence disruptions, and Starshield restrictions, warning that disabling Ukraine's satellite services hampers peace and endangers U.S. personnel. At least 230 American military and diplomatic staff remain in Ukraine.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has cleared air‑defense transfers that are still delayed, and the looming lame‑duck session could see a tougher congressional stance if control shifts to Democrats, potentially increasing oversight and leverage on the issue.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing