US resumes intel sharing on Russian missile launches with Ukraine, Zelensky says

The United States has recommenced sharing intelligence about Russian ballistic missile launches with Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in an interview on NBC News Meet the Press on October 18. The U.S. remains the sole source of such critical information for Ukraine. President Zelensky explained that Ukraine had not received this intelligence during three days of Russian missile attacks, highlighting the importance of the intelligence.

The U.S. provides Ukraine with the means to identify and track Russian missile launches and other aerial threats. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the restored intelligence sharing. He acknowledged that Ukraine was still facing restrictions on the use of Starshield, SpaceX's military version of the Starlink satellite internet system.

Zelensky speculated that both U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk were involved in implementing these restrictions. He suggested that if Trump decided to lift the restrictions, service would return to normal. Zelensky also indicated willingness for talks with the U.S. in the coming week, despite ongoing difficulties between Kyiv and Washington, estimating a possible meeting on October 20-21.

The resumption of intelligence sharing followed a Russian missile attack on Kyiv on October 12, when five S-400 missiles hit the Ukrainian capital, causing significant damage. Ukrainian officials claimed they were unaware of the attack until air raid sirens sounded, criticizing the U.S. for not providing timely warning. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions over U.S. support for Ukraine, including reports that the Trump administration had threatened Ukrainian officials to protect Russian oil refineries.