Zelensky adviser says Ukrainians dying over US intelligence cuts

Ukrainians have lost their lives because Kyiv is still failing to receive reliable US warnings regarding incoming Russian attacks, according to Serhii Beskrestnov, a key adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The adviser also stated that ongoing restrictions affecting Ukraine's access to the Starlink internet network persist amid diplomatic friction and disputes with the Donald Trump administration over controversial Russian oil imports that have driven bilateral relations to new lows.

President Zelensky wrote on social media on Monday morning that two ballistic missile attacks targeted the capital, with the first striking without warning and the second allowing minimal time to seek shelter. Hours earlier, an NBC interview published with the president noted that intelligence sharing had resumed following a three-day pause. However, Beskrestnov told the BBC that American intelligence data remained incomplete and inconsistent, with Washington failing to provide clear explanations for the glitches.

Beskrestnov illustrated the situation by noting that a recent warning arrived merely one minute before the attack struck. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that other cooperation channels with Washington continue, with raw intelligence data flowing normally while the core issue remains isolated to the air raid alert component. Meanwhile, the US has provided no clarity regarding who holds responsibility for ongoing restrictions impacting the Starlink internet network and its military variant Starshield, utilized by Kyiv for drone, helicopter, and communication connectivity.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Last week, Starshield capped the movement speed of mobile units connected to the network at 100mph (160km/h), restricting Ukraine's ability to shoot down incoming drones or launch mid-range strikes into Russian-occupied territories. Starlink owner Elon Musk remarked last week that the US government ultimately controls Starshield access built for the Pentagon, implying Washington could be behind the limitations, though Donald Trump has denied involvement.