Multi-level blackmail: military expert Zgurets on suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"We're dealing with multi-level blackmail from the U.S.: a suspension of military aid, including missiles and ammunition needed on the battlefield, alongside restrictions on intelligence sharing. Trump did say on March 9 that intelligence access would be restored, but there's also the issue with Starlink. Starlink underpins effective command at multiple levels. Its advantage is its scale — over 4,800 satellites, with our troops using around 100,000 terminals. This system is essentially the nervous system of Ukraine’s Defense Forces," Zgurets said.

According to him, alternative options are being explored. European networks have made offers, but they operate far fewer satellites, provide slower internet, and charge higher prices. In terms of territorial coverage, signal availability, and speed, Starlink remains the superior option.

"They claim Starlink won’t be cut off, but given what's happening with intelligence and weapons, that could change at any moment. And when it comes to the U.S., words don’t always mean much. Right now, we have alternatives — working with European providers — and we’re already developing local solutions. Mobile network-based military internet modules are being built to provide coverage within a 15-20 km radius using specialized devices. This would allow troop command even if both Starlink and European systems fail," the expert explained.

Zgurets also pointed out that other communication methods exist, including tropospheric, basic, and fiber-optic systems, ensuring that command and control won’t collapse entirely. While losing Starlink would complicate operations, it wouldn’t paralyze Ukraine’s ability to fight.

• Earlier, billionaire Elon Musk denied claims that the U.S. was threatening to cut Ukraine off from Starlink.
• On March 8, reports emerged that the European Union had begun negotiations with four major satellite operators — SES (Luxembourg), Hisdesat (Spain), Viasat (USA), and Eutelsat/OneWeb (France) — to secure a Starlink alternative for Ukraine.