Zelensky Claims U.S. Withheld Crucial Missile Intelligence for Three Days
Ukrainian President Zelensky asserts that the U.S. did not share vital ballistic missile threat intelligence for three days, impacting military readiness.
Washington, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that the United States withheld critical intelligence regarding Russian ballistic missile attacks for a period of three days. This information is essential for Ukraine’s defense, and its absence significantly hampered the Ukrainian military’s preparedness against potential strikes.
In an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Zelensky explained that the U.S. is the primary source for such intelligence. He noted that during the three-day lapse, Ukrainian forces did not receive any warnings about incoming missile threats from Russia.
Zelensky further elaborated that while Ukraine continues to receive intelligence from European allies and other partners, their capabilities do not match those of the U.S. He stated, “Many countries are helping us, but only the U.S. has the specific intelligence capabilities to inform us when Russia plans to use ballistic missiles.”
Despite the temporary halt in intelligence sharing, Zelensky expressed gratitude that the arrangement has since been restored. He mentioned, “For some time, it was paused. Later, the U.S. side resumed it. We are very thankful. Now it is operational again.”
This revelation comes at a time of increasing tension between the U.S. and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, which escalated following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The U.S. has been a crucial ally, providing intelligence, weaponry, and satellite communication services vital for Ukraine’s defense against missile and drone attacks.
Zelensky also raised concerns regarding Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which is used by the Ukrainian military. When asked if the disruption in service was intentional, he indicated that Ukrainian military officials believe it stemmed from a decision by the U.S. government.
He remarked, “The message certainly came from the government. I do not know from which department or which official.” While he acknowledged that the services have not been fully restored, he emphasized that some restrictions still remain.
In response to Zelensky’s claims, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basent challenged the assertions. During a separate interview on the same program, Basent stated that both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made it clear that no one in the Trump administration ordered any restrictions on Starlink.
Basent described Zelensky’s allegations as irresponsible and denied any knowledge of a delay in intelligence sharing. He asserted, “I have no information about it, but we have made our position very clear.”
The conflicting statements from both sides leave the issue of communication service disruptions and the temporary halt in intelligence sharing unresolved. Despite increasing support from European nations, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine remains heavily reliant on U.S. military assistance, stating that without it, the situation would become exceedingly difficult.
The ongoing war has underscored the importance of U.S. intelligence in Ukraine’s defense strategy, particularly in countering missile and drone threats.
