Ukrainians dying because US restricting intelligence sharing, Zelensky adviser tells BBC
Key Points:
- Ukrainian adviser Serhii Beskrestnov stated that unreliable US warnings of incoming Russian attacks have led to Ukrainian casualties, citing last-minute or missing alerts for ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv.
- The interruption in US intelligence sharing reportedly began amid tensions over a controversial Russian oil import deal under the Trump administration, though President Zelensky later confirmed intelligence sharing had resumed after a brief pause.
- Beskrestnov highlighted ongoing issues with incomplete and inconsistent US missile attack warnings, and expressed concern over restrictions imposed on the Starlink-based military communication network, which is critical for Ukrainian defense operations.
- The adviser suggested these simultaneous intelligence and communication challenges might be a pressure tactic by the US to push Ukraine toward negotiating with Russia, while Ukraine seeks alternative systems to maintain defense and civilian communications.
- US officials, including former President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, denied any pause or reduction in intelligence sharing, contradicting Zelensky's earlier statements.