Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confronted Donald Trump over Elon Musk's controversial decision to restrict Ukraine's internet access, amid fears the move could leave the country at the mercy of Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Burnham raised the issue during a phone call with the US President on Friday (October 23), after Ukraine was reportedly left struggling to defend itself against Russian attacks when the billionaire pulled access to his Starlink satellite system.
Starlink's Role in Ukraine's Defence
The technology has been crucial for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, mainly being used to power its massive arsenal of drones as well as transfer information to and from the front line. However, the system was hit by restrictions last week, sparking a bitter row over who was responsible, with both Trump and Musk facing questions about their involvement.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister underlined the importance for Ukraine to have full access to Starlink so they can continue to defend themselves against Russia's full-scale invasion.
Accusations of Betrayal
The row has become something of a headache for Trump, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing the US of a "betrayal" over the restrictions. Musk has suggested the order to limit the system came from the White House, something that Trump has so far denied.
Trump has since insisted the problem has been fixed, but Ukrainian officials say they are still having trouble getting the system working properly, which is causing massive problems on the front line.
UK Government's Stance
Burnham's intervention comes after a particularly rocky week between Washington and Kyiv, with Trump easing sanctions on Russian diesel and even suggesting Zelensky should be replaced. Meanwhile, one of Trump's top aides, Steve Witkoff, sparked outrage by describing Putin as a "humanitarian".
The UK government has stood by its European ally, firing back on Thursday: "President Putin has killed thousands of people, both innocent Ukrainians and his own Russian people, who he has sent to their deaths on the front line."
The spokeswoman added: "He is starving children and the elderly of the heat and warmth, and systematically targeting critical national infrastructure."
Elsewhere in Friday's call, Burnham also raised Britain's bitter row with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, warning that the country's "coercive measures" could have economic consequences for Britain and America.
