In brief
Serhii Beskrestnov, a close adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, claimed that delayed U.S. missile warnings have caused civilian deaths in Kyiv. He also blamed restrictions on Ukraine’s Starlink satellite network for hampering defense operations. While the White House maintains that intelligence sharing has not been altered, Russian‑oil import tensions earlier this month prompted a brief uncertainty. Kiev is actively seeking alternative communication and radar solutions to protect its population. Many Ukrainian officials suspect the dual restrictions are a deliberate pressure tactic to push Ukraine toward negotiations with Russia.
Ukrainians have died because Kyiv is still not receiving reliable US warnings of incoming Russian attacks, according to a key adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Serhii Beskrestnov, often called "Flash", told the BBC that the lack of timely alerts has cost lives in the capital. "It is dangerous… I think it really is very bad… People have already died," he said.
He added that the United States has also imposed restrictions on Ukraine’s use of its Starlink satellite‑internet service, limiting the speed of mobile units to 100mph and hampering drone operations.
The White House has publicly denied any change in intelligence sharing with Kyiv, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no pause in the flow of data.
Ukraine’s frustrations stem partly from a recent row over an alleged Russian‑oil import that led to a brief disruption in intelligence reports earlier in the month.
Faced with these challenges, Beskrestnov said Kyiv is seeking alternative communication systems and is looking into its own radar and other messaging solutions to keep civilians safe.
Despite the U.S. officials’ statements, many in Kyiv suspect the Starlink and intelligence restrictions may be deliberate pressure tactics aimed at nudging Ukraine toward negotiations with Russia.
Serhii Beskrestnov speaking to the BBC in Kyiv.
