Lives have been lost in Ukraine due to the United States restricting intelligence sharing, a key adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky told the BBC. Serhii Beskrestnov stated that Ukraine is not receiving reliable US warnings of incoming Russian attacks, leaving insufficient time to alert citizens to ballistic missile strikes.

This alleged reduction in intelligence sharing comes amid broader diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and the Trump administration, following a controversial deal for Russia to import oil. While the White House has officially denied any changes to intelligence cooperation with Ukraine, many in Kyiv perceive the timing of these issues as more than coincidental.

Beskrestnov described the situation as dangerous and expressed that people have already died as a result. He noted that while intelligence data continues to flow, the specific component related to air raid alerts has become inconsistent. "Sometimes we receive this information before the attack, another time we do not," he said, adding that on some occasions, warnings arrive only minutes before an attack.

The adviser also highlighted ongoing restrictions on Ukraine's use of the Starlink internet network, specifically its military service Starshield. These limitations have reportedly hampered Ukraine's ability to track and intercept drones and conduct mid-range drone operations into Russian-occupied territories.

According to Beskrestnov, there has been no clear explanation from the US regarding these Starlink restrictions. Elon Musk, owner of Starlink, has previously suggested that the US government controls access to Starshield, indicating a potential US role in the limitations. Former President Trump has denied any involvement.

Beskrestnov suggested that the simultaneous occurrence of both intelligence sharing issues and Starlink restrictions might be a deliberate tactic by the United States to pressure Ukraine into negotiations with Russia. He believes the US may be signaling a desire for Ukraine to seek a compromise.

Ukraine relies on its own radar data for some limited warning capabilities but is actively seeking to enhance its systems. The inconsistencies in US intelligence and Starlink functionality pose significant challenges to Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.

The White House maintains that intelligence sharing has not changed, but the concerns raised by Zelensky's adviser underscore the critical importance of timely and comprehensive intelligence for Ukraine's defense and the potential human cost of any perceived disruptions.