# Ukraine Would Not Exist Without US Support

> Rubio says Ukraine wouldn't exist without US backing amid Starlink slowdown concerns.
- Title: Ukraine Would Not Exist Without US Support · The Straits Times
- Summary: Rubio says Ukraine wouldn't exist without US backing amid Starlink slowdown concerns. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Ukraine would not exist…
- Keywords: marco rubio, ukraine, starlink, elon musk, volodymyr zelensky, trump administration, donbas, russia, news, world, Exist, Without
- Source: The Straits Times — https://straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukraine-wouldnt-exist-without-support-from-us-rubio-says
- Published: 2026-10-21T07:55:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marco rubio, ukraine, starlink, elon musk, volodymyr zelensky, trump administration, donbas, russia, news, world
## Rubio on Ukraine's existence
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ukraine would not exist without US support, including under the Trump administration.

> If it were not for the assistance of the United States, including under the Trump administration, there would be no Ukraine right now.
## Starlink slowdown report
The Wall Street Journal reported Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starlink, which helps Ukraine resist Russian air attacks.

> The Wall Street Journal reported Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starlink, which helps Ukraine resist Russian air attacks.
## Rubio's response to report
Rubio said the US did not direct or know about the Starlink slowdown ahead of time and cannot control private company decisions.

> It’s not accurate that we somehow knew about this ahead of time or directed it in any way.
## Zelensky's stance
Ukrainian President Zelensky said Ukraine seeks long-term security and that the war issue is very difficult.

> I think for Ukraine, the predominant desire is to ensure their long-term security and safety, so that they’re never re-invaded or re-attacked in the future.
## Ongoing talks
Talks on ending the war focus on Donbas and possible US-Ukraine-Russia negotiations.

> Both sides will have to agree to give up on something and those conversations are difficult.
## Next steps
Russian President Putin will hold talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff on Ukraine in St. Petersburg on Oct 21.

> Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Witkoff on Ukraine in St. Petersburg on Oct 21.
## Key takeaway

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Ukraine would not exist without US support, defending Trump administration aid while noting the US cannot control private company decisions like Starlink.