In brief
Serhii Beskrestnov, a key adviser to President Zelensky, warned that the United States’ pause in intelligence sharing and limitations on Ukraine’s Starlink satellite network are causing delays in missile warnings, claiming civilians have already died because of the lack of time to take cover. Beskrestnov noted that restrictions on the Starlink’s Starshield service—introduced by the U.S. government—have slowed mobile units’ connection speeds, limiting Ukraine’s ability to counter incoming drones. While a White House spokesperson denied any change in intelligence sharing, Ukrainian officials suspect the dual restrictions are a calculated pressure tactic, urging negotiations with Russia. As Ukraine seeks alternative communication systems, the situation underscores the escalating tensions over military data flow and air‑defence coordination.
Kyiv’s chief aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the United States’ pause in sharing intelligence on Russian missile strikes and the restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the Starlink satellite network are putting civilians and soldiers at risk, saying the delay in warnings has already cost lives.
“People have already died,” the adviser, known as “Flash,” said to the BBC, adding that the warning system was often unreliable, arriving only minutes before an attack or not at all.
Beskrestnov also alleged that the United States is continuing to impose restrictions on Starlink’s military‑grade service, Starshield, which Ukraine uses to provide connectivity for drones, helicopters and battlefield communications.
The White House has denied any change to intelligence sharing, stating that operations remain unchanged and that the U.S. continues to supply Ukraine with more aid than any other nation.
Ukraine reported an interruption of intelligence sharing last week, sparking a row over a controversial deal to import Russian oil that pushed ties to a low point.
Starshield has limited mobile units’ connection speeds to 100 mph (160 km/h), hindering Ukraine’s ability to shoot down drones or launch mid‑range attacks into Russian‑occupied areas. Starlink’s owner Elon Musk stated that the U.S. government ultimately controls access to Starshield, suggesting its restrictions may stem from Washington.
Beskrestnov thinks the simultaneous constraints on intelligence and Starlink are deliberate pressure, implying that the U.S. is prompting negotiations with Russia by forcing Ukraine to face new operational challenges.
While Ukraine’s own radar can provide limited early warning, officials say they urgently need alternative communication systems to support both air defences and military coordination.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that a pause in intelligence sharing had ever occurred, and only mentioned a software problem with the early warning system a few nights earlier.
Russia’s conflict with Ukraine continues to intensify, as Kyiv grapples with restricted data flows and satellite connectivity that could alter the balance on the battlefield.
