Zelensky: US warnings of missiles working again
After talks in Oslo, the Ukrainian president says early warnings of Russian attacks have been restored.
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
.jpg){kind=link}
The US intelligence exchange with Ukraine has resumed, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said this on Tuesday after talks with US envoys and European leaders in Oslo.
At a press conference in the Norwegian capital, Zelensky said that the United States was once again providing early warnings of Russian missile attacks. This means, he said, that Ukrainians can once again be warned in good time when a missile is launched.
The statement follows days of uncertainty over US support. Ukraine earlier reported that some attacks had taken place without the usual warning. Zelensky had already said on Sunday that the intelligence exchange had resumed after a brief interruption; in Oslo, he said that the system was now actually functioning.
The US government disputes that a new restriction was deliberately imposed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, according to US media, that no policy change had been ordered. He said that, according to Washington, missed warnings were the result of technical problems, not a political instruction to give Ukraine less information.
The issue was raised during a meeting between Zelensky and US envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo. It is unclear whether Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb were also involved in the talks. Witkoff was reportedly due to travel on to Russia after the discussions to discuss US and European proposals.
The resumption of the warnings does not mean that all disagreements have been resolved. Zelensky continues to call for more Patriot air-defence missiles and for the restoration of Starshield's capabilities, the military satellite service Ukraine uses for communications. It is not known whether the United States made public commitments on these issues in Oslo.
The US and Ukrainian accounts of the past few days therefore remain at odds. Kyiv speaks of a temporary blockade or interruption, while Washington says that policy has not changed. It is clear, however, that the issue has become part of broader negotiations over military support and possible peace talks with Russia.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Zelensky said in Oslo that US early warnings of Russian missile attacks were working again.
- The US government denies deliberately imposing a new restriction.
- The talks took place against the backdrop of negotiations over military support and possible peace talks.
Left
Arguments The United States must provide Ukraine with predictable military and intelligence support and must not make security subordinate to pressure for rapid negotiations.
Values International solidarity, the protection of civilians and the responsibility of powerful allies.
Consequences A temporary or unclear restriction could make Ukraine more vulnerable and damage the confidence of European partners.
Centre
Arguments Intelligence sharing should continue, but Washington must also safeguard its own military interests and diplomatic room for manoeuvre. Transparent agreements could prevent new misunderstandings.
Values Institutional continuity, proportionality and administrative oversight.
Consequences A more stable channel between Washington and Kyiv could limit escalation without the United States making unlimited commitments.
Right
Arguments The United States may link support to a realistic path towards negotiations and must prevent itself from being automatically drawn into a prolonged war.
Values National interests, restraint in foreign commitments and pressure on allies to do more themselves.
Consequences Conditional support could encourage Kyiv towards talks, but too much uncertainty could weaken deterrence and place additional burdens on European countries.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article's central claim is confirmed by AP and AFP, which describe Zelensky's statement in Oslo. The US counter-account concerning technical problems and the absence of a policy change is attributed to Rubio and presented as a disputed interpretation.
- confirmed On 20 October in Oslo, Zelensky said that US early warnings of Russian missile attacks were functioning again. — AP and AFP describe his statement during the press conference in Oslo. source
- confirmed Ukraine had earlier reported attacks without the usual US warning. — Reuters and AFP describe Ukrainian reports of missed warnings. source
- confirmed Washington denies that a new restriction on intelligence sharing was deliberately imposed. — According to Axios, Rubio said that no change had been ordered. source
- confirmed Witkoff took part in talks in Oslo and was due to travel to Russia afterwards. — AP reports both elements. source
- confirmed Zelensky continues to call for Patriot missiles and the restoration of Starshield capabilities. — AFP describes these requests in the context of the talks. source
Editor's note
It is certain that Zelensky said in Oslo on 20 October that US early warnings were functioning again. The US government denies a deliberate policy change and points to technical problems; independent evidence about the precise cause is lacking.Sources
- Zelenskyy says early warning system for Russian missile attacks resumes following call with Rubio — AP News
- Zelensky hails resumption of US advance warning of strikes on Ukraine — AFP
- US resumes intelligence-sharing with Ukraine after pause, Zelenskiy says — Reuters via Investing.com
- Trump isn't out to hurt Ukraine, Rubio tells Zelensky — Axios