Elon Musk calls for Zelensky to step down as Russian drone strikes kill three

Elon Musk has called for Volodymyr Zelenskyy to step down, deepening a dispute over Ukraine's access to Starlink, the satellite system used by its military. In posts online, Musk wrote: 'Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS.' He then added: 'time for Zelenskyy to go.'

The call came as Ukraine's president said he felt betrayed by Donald Trump after suggestions that the US administration was behind restricting Kyiv's access to the system. Starlink helps Ukraine guide drones and protect itself. The row over restricted access first arose during a heavy night of Russian attacks earlier in the week. An adviser to Zelenskyy said SpaceX had restricted the speed at which some Ukrainian weapons can travel.

Overnight, three people were killed in a wave of Russian drone strikes on Ukraine. Businesses, logistics centres, warehouses and facilities, as well as residential buildings, were hit. The attacks reportedly lasted more than 10 hours.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for a quarterly council session. Ukraine is not top of the agenda, with disagreements over the EU budget to settle, but it will be discussed. Zelenskyy is expected in Brussels in the coming days to speak to leaders. Several leaders offered fulsome support for Ukraine but were careful in comments about the US, describing it as an important security and financial partner. Some called for more European action, including visa bans for Russians and tougher enforcement of sanctions, particularly on energy. Leaders said energy is central to Russia's war economy.

The discussions follow an interview Zelenskyy gave to the Financial Times after a visit to London. He said strikes will resume on Russia's energy infrastructure, despite Trump saying they should stop. He is expected to seek more ways for Europe to show solidarity with Ukraine and to become a stronger player in the war's future.

Domestic politics in member states are also in the background. Spain has called a snap general election, while France and Germany face election and party pressures that shape how far their leaders can go on Ukraine. EU countries remain broadly united in supporting Kyiv, but they differ on how to do it, including whether to release billions in seized Russian assets held in Brussels. Belgium, as host of the clearing bank, is more cautious about the consequences from Russia.

UK minister Baroness Smith said the government would keep working with allies, including the US, to support Ukraine. She pointed to more lightweight missiles, extra money to protect the barrier around Chernobyl and a new package of sanctions against Russian individuals, oil companies and ships. She said the UK had been direct about the support Ukraine deserves and needs, adding that this protects everyone, not just Ukrainians.