Zelensky's adviser told BBC about Ukrainians killed due to failures in intelligence sharing with the US

The key facts

Zelensky's adviser Beskrestnov: people died due to lack of warnings about ballistic strikes
The White House and Rubio deny changes in intelligence sharing; Zelensky earlier spoke of a three-day pause
Starshield restrictions (speed up to 160 km/h) hinder the fight against drones; Musk places control with the US government

Statements by Zelensky's adviser

Serhiy 'Flash' Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, told the BBC that Ukrainians had died because Kyiv was not receiving reliable American warnings about Russian missile strikes. According to him, there was no time to warn citizens about ballistic strikes: 'It is dangerous... I think it is really very bad... People have already died.' He called the incoming intelligence incomplete and inconsistent: 'Sometimes we receive this information before the attack, and sometimes we do not. For example, last night we received it, but a minute before the strike.' The US, he said, has not given a clear explanation of the problem.

The situation around intelligence sharing

Ukraine first reported disruptions in intelligence sharing with the US last week, amid a conflict with the Trump administration over a disputed deal on Russian oil imports. On Monday morning, Zelensky wrote on social media that two ballistic strikes had been launched on the capital overnight — one without warning, the second with minimal time to take shelter. Earlier, in an interview with NBC, Zelensky said that intelligence sharing had been restored after a three-day pause: 'We are very grateful for that. Only the US possesses unique intelligence that allows them to tell our side when Russia is using ballistic missiles.'

Denials from Washington

The White House said there had been no changes in intelligence sharing with Ukraine. A spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that Trump is focused on ending the war and that the US has provided Ukraine with more aid than any other country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists: 'I don't know where he [Zelensky] gets these things and why he says them to the press.' Rubio declined to comment on the incident, noting: 'A few nights ago there was a software problem with their early warning system.'

Starlink and Starshield restrictions

Beskrestnov also reported that restrictions continue on Ukraine's use of the Starlink network and its military version Starshield, which provides communications for drones, helicopters and military communications. Last week, Starshield limited the speed of mobile units while maintaining connectivity to 160 km/h (100 mph), which complicated drone interception and attacks by medium-range drones on occupied territories. Starlink owner Elon Musk said last week that access to Starshield, created for the Pentagon, is ultimately controlled by the US government, suggesting the restrictions may originate from there. Trump denies his involvement.

Assessments and Kyiv's preparations

Beskrestnov believes that the simultaneous emergence of both problems is 'probably' deliberate pressure on Ukraine: 'Probably, the US is trying to tell us: let's negotiate with Russia, you must find a compromise.' According to him, other areas of cooperation with the US continue: 'Intelligence continues to come in, the problem is exclusively with the air raid alert component.' Ukraine has its own radar data for limited warning of attacks and is urgently studying alternative communication systems: 'We understand that we must be prepared for problems in the future... we are thinking about an alternative to Starlink — not only for air defense, but also for communications between our forces, headquarters and civilians, because we do not know what to expect from Starlink in the future.' The BBC contacted Starlink for comment.