In brief
Serhii Beskrestnov, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claimed that lethal delays in U.S. intelligence sharing and restrictions on the Starlink satellite network have left civilians exposed. He cited missing warnings of ballistic missile strikes that killed people and slowed the ability to respond to drone and missile threats. While Washington insists no formal pause has taken place, Ukrainian officials argue that incomplete alerts and speed limits imposed on Starshield are undermining defence. The diplomatic spat follows a recent dispute over Ukraine's controversial Russian‑oil import deal, raising questions about the U.S. strategic support for Kyiv.
Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a key adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, says Ukrainian lives have been lost because Kyiv still does not receive reliable U.S. warnings of incoming Russian attacks.
Beskrestnov told the BBC that people had died because no timely alerts were issued for ballistic missile strikes, adding that the lack of warning "is dangerous…people have already died."
He also warned that the U.S. has been restricting Ukraine’s use of the Starlink satellite network, limiting the speed at which mobile units can stay connected to the network to 100 mph (160 km/h). This has hampered Ukraine’s ability to shoot down drones and launch mid‑range attacks.
While a White House official insisted there were no changes to intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Ukraine first reported an interruption last week—linked to a row over a controversial Russian‑oil import deal that sent relations to new lows.
Beskrestnov hints the overlapping Starlink restrictions and incomplete intelligence alerts may be "a deliberate move" to pressure Kyiv into negotiating with Russia, “let us have the conversation…you should find the compromise.”
He noted Ukrainian radar data provides some limited warning, but the nation is urgently exploring alternative communication systems for air‑defence and military coordination, including civilians.
The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, denied any pause, citing a software problem with the early warning system as a one‑off event. Meanwhile, a Starlink spokesperson said the U.S. government ultimately controls access to Starshield, which was designed for the Pentagon.
The White House remains committed to providing more aid than any other country, while Ukraine presses for clearer explanations and reliable intelligence to protect its citizens amid a full‑scale war with Russia.
