Musk blames White House for Ukraine drone curbs as Trump waives Russia sanctions

Elon Musk has pointed to the White House as the authority behind restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starlink satellite services, saying that any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately the president. Ukraine acknowledged that access to the network had improved but said speed limits were continuing to disrupt battlefield operations, including drone interceptions.

The statements came as President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving key sanctions and tariffs on Russia under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, just two days before they were due to take effect. Trump told Congress the decision was in the national interest, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio later confirming the waiver would last 60 days while the administration assessed the global impact.

The legislation had given Trump the authority to impose broad sanctions on Russia and levy tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. Rubio described India as an important ally and acknowledged it was difficult for countries to rapidly shift their energy portfolios.

The moves have drawn bipartisan criticism and deepened unease in Kyiv, where officials warned that easing pressure on Moscow undermines Ukraine's position. Trump separately accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict, widening the public rift between the two leaders.