Rubio Denies US Role in Starlink Disruption in Ukraine, Warns of Wider Regional Conflicts
By Elochukwu Benjamin|IchieTimes
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied allegations that Washington deliberately disrupted Starlink services in Ukraine, while warning that conflicts involving Russia, Iran and the Middle East are placing increasing pressure on global energy supplies.
Rubio made the remarks during an interaction with journalists, where he clarified that Starlink, a commercial satellite internet service, was different from Starshield, a military communications system used by the United States armed forces.
He said Ukraine did not currently have access to Starshield, although its request to use the system for deep strikes inside Russia was under discussion.
Rubio also dismissed allegations that the United States had ordered a slowdown of Starlink services to prevent Ukrainian drones from operating, saying Washington had nothing to do with the disruption and that the service had reportedly been restored.
On US sanctions waivers involving Russian energy, Rubio said President Donald Trump needed time to assess the implications of sanctions and tariffs on the global and American economies.
He explained that disruptions to energy supplies caused by the conflict involving Iran, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement and the Russia-Ukraine war had contributed to rising global energy prices.
Rubio defended the decision to allow certain Russian energy transactions, arguing that the measures were intended to manage economic pressures and ensure access to supplies, rather than provide concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On violence in the occupied West Bank, Rubio said the United States was disturbed by reports of attacks on Palestinians and an American journalist, adding that Washington had urged Israel to take action against perpetrators.
He said the US embassy was gathering information about the incident and that Washington would communicate its expectations to Israeli authorities if the allegations were confirmed.
Rubio stressed that President Trump did not want tensions in the West Bank to escalate into another crisis.
The Secretary of State also expressed concern over rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, following reports of separatist attacks and military deployments near their shared border.
He said the United States was engaging both countries and urged Ethiopia to exercise restraint in responding to attacks, warning that further escalation could trigger a wider regional conflict involving other countries.
Rubio said Washington hoped to use its diplomatic engagement to encourage dialogue and prevent another war.
