Washington's actions are pushing Kyiv and Europe to accelerate efforts to reduce their dependence on US military technology, the analyst warned The United States is using restrictions on Starlink and intelligence sharing to pressure Ukraine into making concessions, Roland Freudenstein, co-founder of the Brussels Freedom Hub, told TVP World. Freudenstein argued that the disruption was part of a deliberate effort by Washington to demonstrate its leverage over Kyiv as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression. "This is a clear attempt to scare the Ukrainians," he told World News Tonight on Friday evening, describing the move as a warning that Washington could withhold capabilities critical to Ukraine's defense. According to Freudenstein, the latest tensions have prompted a shift in thinking across Kyiv and European capitals, with governments increasingly recognizing the need to develop alternatives to US intelligence, satellite imagery and Starlink communications. "Europe and Ukraine need to rely on their own resources, and this process has begun," he said, adding that greater independence could be achieved within months rather than several years. Freudenstein also warned that Starlink's technological advantages came at a political cost, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to pressure from Washington. "When you don't have it, it chains you down politically," he said. Turning to negotiations to end the war, Freudenstein dismissed suggestions that territorial disputes in Donbas were the final obstacle to an agreement. He pointed to fundamental disagreements over the legal status of Russian-occupied territories and the deployment of European security forces in Ukraine. "Ukraine is fighting for its existence, and Russia is demanding for Ukraine to capitulate," he said, arguing that these differences remained unresolved despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Freudenstein dismissed suggestions that territorial disputes in Donbas were the final obstacle to an agreement. (Getty Images)
