Zelensky Says US Intelligence Warnings Now Work

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said US intelligence sharing about Russian strikes is now working, addressing concerns over warnings that could help protect civilians and children from incoming attacks. His remarks come amid conflicting statements from Ukrainian and US officials about whether Washington has maintained its intelligence support for Kyiv.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to the United States during a press conference, saying intelligence sharing was functioning. The early warning systems are important to Ukrainians because they provide advance notice of incoming attacks, allowing people to respond to potential threats.

However, Zelensky also said restrictions on Ukraine's use of the Starlink internet network remained in place. He had previously reported that speed limits were imposed on Starlink terminals without advance notification to Kyiv.

Starlink provides internet connectivity that Ukraine uses to guide drones toward Russian targets and help defend its airspace. The continuing restrictions add another concern to Ukraine's efforts to maintain its military communications capabilities.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov previously told the BBC that people had died when Kyiv was not receiving reliable US warnings about incoming Russian attacks.

In describing the consequences of the warning failures, Serhii Beskrestnov said, "people have already died" due to the lack of advance notice about missile attacks.

The White House has maintained that intelligence-sharing operations between the United States and Ukraine have not changed. Its position contrasts with Ukrainian concerns about the reliability of warnings during the period described by Beskrestnov.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also rejected accusations that Washington was withholding intelligence from Ukraine. Earlier that day, Rubio characterized the allegations as "scandalous," disputing claims that US intelligence restrictions were responsible for Ukrainian deaths.

The statements highlight continuing disagreements over intelligence cooperation even as Zelensky says the warning system is now working. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to report limitations affecting its access to Starlink, a network used in its drone operations and air defense efforts.