Zelensky seeks support from members of Congress amid conflict with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held an online meeting with American congressmen from both parties, discussing disruptions in intelligence sharing and restrictions on Starlink satellite communications in Ukraine.

The meeting was attended by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Following the conversation, Zelensky said that Ukraine had not received early warning from its partners about the first wave of a Russian ballistic missile attack the night before the meeting.

“I explained the current situation with intelligence sharing and Starlink’s operation in Ukraine. Unfortunately, we did not receive early warning from our partners about the first wave of the Russian ballistic missile attack last night. And we are still facing speed restrictions for Starlink and Starshield services on various sections of the front. The American side has not provided Ukraine with explanations for either of these two problems,” Zelensky said.

Meanwhile, according to The Hill, some House Republicans are pressuring Trump, threatening to block additional Pentagon funding if the administration does not take a tougher stance toward Russia.

Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring at the end of his term, warned that no part of Trump’s legislative agenda would be approved by Congress during the lame-duck session if the president did not take steps to punish the Russian military machine. According to Bacon, Trump’s soft approach to Russia has alienated a significant number of Republicans, making it difficult for Speaker Mike Johnson to pass not only Pentagon funding but all other bills that Republican leaders are counting on passing during the lame-duck session.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania told The Wall Street Journal that there would be “consequences” if the administration did not take steps to restore Ukraine’s access to satellite technology. “Agencies will not receive funding if they do not do their jobs,” he said.

In his post on the social network X, Fitzpatrick went further, promising to personally ensure accountability for anyone who attempts to restrict Ukraine’s use of the Starshield program.

“I intend to assure Zelensky that anyone who attempts to restrict the use of the Starshield program for Ukraine will face a full investigation and be held fully accountable, including public congressional oversight hearings and immediate severe and punitive budget cuts for any responsible agency or its leadership,” Fitzpatrick wrote.