UK to press US on Ukraine support as ties strain

UK relations with the US have deteriorated over the past week after Donald Trump eased sanctions on Russian diesel, with tensions escalating Wednesday when a Zelensky adviser accused Elon Musk's SpaceX of limiting Starlink speeds on Ukrainian drones. Musk blamed the Pentagon for the disruption, though reports suggested the limit was partially lifted by nightfall. Zelensky told the Financial Times Ukraine would resume attacks on Russian oil refineries, criticizing Trump's admiration for Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader said Moscow failed to observe Trump's "energy ceasefire" demand, while Kyiv's forces struggled to intercept Russian attacks amid the Starlink disruption. UK skills minister Jacqui Smith declined to criticize Washington's waning support, saying Britain will "make the case" for continued US backing. Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed UK support "will not change" during a Downing Street meeting with Zelensky, accelerating air defence missile supplies.