The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has refuted claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding a pause in intelligence sharing between Washington and Kyiv. Zelensky had stated that intelligence sharing was interrupted but later re-established. Rubio, speaking on Monday, denied any halt in this collaboration and criticized Zelensky’s remarks.
This exchange highlights a growing tension between the US and Ukraine, fueled by various disputes. Zelensky has expressed dissatisfaction with policies implemented by Trump, including easing sanctions on Russian diesel exports and limiting the speed of the Starlink satellite network, crucial for Ukrainian air defense.
Orysia Lutsevych from the Chatham House think tank suggested that Trump’s public blame on Kyiv could indicate deeper issues in the relationship. Newsweek attempted to reach Zelensky’s office for comments on these developments.
US-Ukraine Ties Under Strain
Zelensky, during an NBC’s Meet the Press interview, claimed that vital US intelligence needed for defense against Russian missile attacks was paused for three days. He mentioned, “It was blocked for some period of time,” and subsequently “deblocked” by the American side, expressing gratitude for the resumption. Rubio countered this claim during a visit to Uzbekistan, emphasizing the importance of focusing efforts on ending the war.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised Zelensky to exercise caution in suggesting interruptions in intelligence sharing. Ukraine uses US intelligence for warnings against incoming missile attacks, although European allies provide some data. Ukrainian officials reported a lack of warnings from partners for two recent missile attack waves, according to The New York Times.
“Kyiv clearly would like to restore reliable intelligence sharing with the US, but some capabilities could now be provided by the Europeans,” Lutsevych stated. She added that Zelensky is justified in highlighting pressure and blackmail when alternative solutions are exhausted.
Starlink Dispute
The evolving relationship between Trump and Zelensky has further deteriorated over allegations related to the Starlink satellite network. Ukraine accused US policy restrictions on access to Elon Musk’s Starlink, impacting drone launch capabilities and defense against Russian attacks.
John Hardie from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies described these restrictions as “inexcusable” amid continuous Russian strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure. Although satellite connectivity is restored, constraints on high-speed usage persist.
Reports suggest the decision emerged from the White House, but the Trump administration denied intentions to intentionally slow down the connection.
Impact of Russian Diesel
As gas prices gain prominence in midterm election debates, Trump’s unilateral ceasefire on energy strikes surprised Moscow and Kyiv. Zelensky initially agreed to the truce, but resumed strikes after Russia ignored Trump’s declaration, targeting Ukrainian energy sites.
Zelensky conveyed to the Financial Times that the truce was “done,” and resumed attacks on Russian oil facilities. Such actions angered Trump, who criticized Ukraine for inflating global oil prices by targeting sites like the St Petersburg Oil Terminal.
The bombardment also affected logistics and data facilities, triggering disruptions in online services.
“Republicans and Democrats passed this law in Lindsey Graham’s name to squeeze Russia’s war revenues. Trump has now hollowed it out before its sanctions could bite,” Alexander Kirk from Urgewald told Newsweek, criticizing the waiver’s impact on sanctions.
Urgewald data estimates high payments for Russian LNG this year, with Trump’s waiver providing a reprieve from new sanctions for involved shipments.
Consequences of Discontent
Lutsevych noted the timing of the dispute amid Putin’s winter campaign against Ukrainian cities. She warned about increasing civilian casualties as military operations intensify.
“The risk of rupture between Kyiv and Washington existed the day Trump became the president. It was clear he favors relations and deals with Putin, and the war on Ukraine was standing in the way of his strategy,” Lutsevych stated.
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