# Ukraine would not exist without US assistance, top diplomat says

https://mins.news/en/item/108968

- TASS, 2026-10-21 06:43 UTC
- World
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2205047

> US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ukraine would not exist as a sovereign state without US assistance, including support under the Trump administration. During a visit to India, he rejected a report that Elon Musk was behind restrictions on Starshield operations in Ukraine, saying the administration did not authorize them. TASS also said Ukraine has recorded budget deficits for several years and relies on Western funding for non-military spending.

## Related coverage

- [Rubio says Ukraine would not exist without US support](https://mins.news/en/video/110193) — Bloomberg Television, 2026-10-21
- [Starlink access in Ukraine is Musk’s decision, not the White House’s, Rubio says](https://mins.news/en/item/109074) — Reuters, 2026-10-21
- [Rubio says Ukraine lacks Starshield access as request for deep strikes is discussed](https://mins.news/en/item/104985) — Al Jazeera, 2026-10-18
