US Intelligence Sharing Resumes, Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude
Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 4:23 am – 21 Oct 2026, 10:00 am AEST
Following a week of disruption, the United States has resumed sharing early warnings about Russian missile attacks with Ukraine, according to multiple reports. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the resumption of this intelligence sharing, stating it is crucial for protecting civilians and saving lives.
What happened
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv was once again receiving early warnings about incoming Russian ballistic missile attacks, a capability that had been disrupted for at least a week.
- According to Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a key advisor to Zelenskyy, this disruption had resulted in Ukrainian deaths due to a lack of time to warn citizens.
- The US has resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine about Russian strikes, says Zelenskyy, following talks in Norway with Steve Witkoff and a phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of this intelligence for protecting civilians and allowing military units to intercept the missiles.
- Despite denials from Washington, many in Kyiv suspect the issue is not a coincidence.
- Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for the resumption of intelligence sharing, stating it was ‘very important’ for the safety of the Ukrainian people.
- Russia continued its missile and drone attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine, resulting in at least nine deaths.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff is to visit Russia on Wednesday.
Original reporting
- BBC: Ukrainians dying because US restricting intelligence sharing, Zelensky adviser tells BBC
2026-10-19T18:23:50.635000+00:00 - Guardian: US has resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine about Russian strikes, says Zelenskyy
2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00 - PBS NewsHour: Zelenskyy says early warning system for Russian missile attacks resumes after call with Rubio
2026-10-20T17:30:51+00:00 - France 24 English: Ukraine ‘losing people and time’, Zelensky says after Oslo talks
2026-10-20T14:11:29+00:00 - South China Morning Post: Ukraine getting early warnings about Russian missiles again, ‘grateful’ Zelensky says
2026-10-20T09:44:50+00:00 - NPR: Zelenskyy says early warning system for Russian missile attacks resumes
2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00