Ukraine Reports Fatal Delays in US Missile Attack Warnings

Ukraine has suffered fatal consequences from delays in warnings about incoming Russian missile attacks, according to Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking to the BBC, Beskrestnov said US intelligence warnings remained inconsistent, leaving civilians with little time to reach shelter during ballistic missile attacks.

Beskrestnov described the consequences of the warning failures and the danger they pose to Ukrainian civilians.

"It's dangerous... I think it's really very bad... People [have] already died." Beskrestnov told the BBC.

He said intelligence sharing continued in other areas, but the information needed to alert civilians about incoming attacks was unreliable. Ukraine also continued to face restrictions affecting its use of the Starlink satellite internet network and the military-focused Starshield service.

"This looks very strange," Beskrestnov said.

He explained that the timing of intelligence warnings varied, with some arriving before an attack and others failing to provide sufficient notice.

"Sometimes we receive this information before the attack, another time we [do] not." Beskrestnov said.

He cited the latest overnight attacks as an example of the problem.

"And for example, last night we received it, but... one minute before the attack." Beskrestnov said.

Despite the shortcomings, he said other intelligence cooperation with Washington remained active.

"Intelligence data keeps flowing, and the issue is solely with the air raid alert component." Beskrestnov said.

Beskrestnov also raised concerns about restrictions on Starlink and Starshield, which Ukraine uses to support drone operations, helicopter connectivity and military communications. Last week, Starshield restricted the speed of mobile units operating while connected to the network to 100 mph (160 km/h), limiting some Ukrainian drone interception and strike capabilities.

He suggested the simultaneous intelligence and connectivity problems could be intended to pressure Kyiv into negotiations with Russia, while emphasizing that the motive remained uncertain.

"It's probably the United States trying to say [to] us, 'let's have the conversation, negotiation with Russia, you should find the compromise'." Beskrestnov told the BBC.

He said Ukraine had its own radar data that could provide limited advance warning and was urgently examining alternative communication systems for air defense, military coordination and civilian use.

President Zelensky also reported problems with warnings after two ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv overnight Monday. He said one attack occurred without warning and the other allowed only minimal time for people to take shelter.

In an interview with NBC published earlier Monday, Zelensky said intelligence sharing had resumed following a three-day pause.

"We are very thankful for this," Zelensky said.

He stressed that US intelligence capabilities were particularly important for identifying incoming Russian ballistic missiles.

"Only [the] United States has this unique intelligence to tell our side when Russia uses ballistic missiles." Zelensky said.

Washington disputed claims that intelligence sharing had changed. A White House official said there had been no changes to intelligence-sharing operations between the two countries and said President Donald Trump remained focused on ending the war.

When asked about intelligence sharing on Monday, Trump defended the US contribution to Ukraine.

"We've given a lot to Ukraine. They've given us nothing." Trump said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also denied that intelligence sharing had been suspended.

"I don't know where [Zelensky is] getting these things or why he's saying these things to the press," Rubio told reporters Monday.

Rubio said he could not comment on the specific incident but referred to a technical issue affecting Ukraine's early-warning system.

"I know a few nights ago there was a software problem involving their early warning system." Rubio said.

The dispute comes amid strained relations between Kyiv and the Trump administration following disagreements over a controversial arrangement involving Russian oil imports. Ukraine first reported an interruption to US intelligence sharing the previous week, although Washington denied that its policy had changed.

Separately, Elon Musk, whose company operates Starlink, said the US government ultimately controls access to Starshield, a service designed for the Pentagon. Trump denied involvement in the restrictions, while Beskrestnov said Ukraine had not received a clear explanation of who was responsible.

Russian attacks continued late Monday. Ukrainian officials said at least six people, including a toddler in a stroller and an 11-year-old girl, were killed in a drone strike near a park cafe in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Another 14 people were injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Zelensky condemned the strike and the resulting civilian casualties.

"absolute atrocity" Zelensky said.