U.S. Starlink Restrictions Fuel Russian Aggression, Ukrainian Minister Says. Millions are at Risk.

Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure as new restrictions on the U.S.-owned Starlink satellite network weaken Kyiv's military capabilities, a senior Ukrainian official warned Friday.

Serhiy Derkach, Ukraine's first deputy minister for recovery, infrastructure and transport, told CNBC that Moscow appears to view the limitations on Starlink as an opportunity to escalate its offensive, particularly against infrastructure essential to civilian life.

"With U.S. limiting the use of Starlinks on the battlefield, Russia feels that this is their moment to try and inflict even more pain and suffering on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure," Derkach said.

According to Derkach, Russian forces have increased strikes targeting bridges in Kyiv, threatening transportation links serving nearly 2 million people living on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River.

Railway networks and border crossings have also come under attack, potentially disrupting the movement of civilians, humanitarian supplies and essential goods. The warning comes as Ukraine prepares for another winter under Russian bombardment, with electricity shortages already affecting daily life across the country.

"We are definitely moving towards very harsh weeks and months and need our partners' support now more than ever," Derkach told the outlet. Ukrainians are already experiencing power outages lasting between four and 12 hours a day, he said, raising concerns about the country's ability to maintain heating, transportation and other essential services as temperatures fall.

The latest escalation follows restrictions imposed earlier this week on Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Ukrainian forces have relied heavily on the network for battlefield communications and military operations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The changes reportedly limit connectivity for terminals operating at certain speeds, complicating some military operations. Ukrainian officials have criticized the lack of warning and warned that the restrictions could provide Russian forces with a tactical advantage.

The developments have also complicated relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump, whose latest diplomatic efforts have failed to produce a confirmed halt to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Speaking Friday in Brussels, Zelenskyy appealed to European leaders for additional air defense systems, financial assistance and emergency energy support to help Ukraine survive the winter.

"I'm so thankful that we have such huge support from EU Council Commission and leaders – real leaders," Zelenskyy said, emphasizing Europe's continued backing. His comments came amid reports that European officials are increasingly concerned about his strained relationship with Trump.

According to the Financial Times, three officials familiar with preparations for the Brussels summit said European leaders planned to privately encourage Zelenskyy to moderate his public criticism of the American president. Some European officials consider the increasingly public disagreements counterproductive, with one EU diplomat describing Zelenskyy's criticism of Trump as "not helpful."