“Lightning” Response: Has the U.S. Ceased Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine?
On the evening of October 12, explosions struck Kyiv before air-raid alerts sounded. Foreign media outlets reported this as evidence that the United States has halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine. However, Oleksiy Beskrestnov—Ukrainian presidential adviser on defense technological innovation, known by the codename “Lightning”—denied in his Telegram channel that there is any credible evidence indicating the explosion resulted from a cutoff in U.S. intelligence support.
He stated that U.S.-provided intelligence includes warnings about ballistic missile launches and preparations, intended to allow civilians time to reach air shelters. He expressed disbelief that the U.S. would discontinue such critical information, which directly impacts the safety of ordinary citizens.
Regarding the recent attack on Kyiv, he noted that Western intelligence failing to detect S-400 missile launches is not an isolated incident. “There are numerous technical details involved; conclusions should not be drawn prematurely.”
A Telegram channel, “Ukraine Context,” believed to be closely linked to Ukrainian President’s Office Chief Andriy Yermak, also refuted claims of severed intelligence flows. It stated there is no evidence supporting the assertion that the U.S. has stopped providing intelligence. “Some channels have circulated the claim that the absence of air-raid warnings during the ballistic missile strike was due to a halt in U.S. intelligence supply. But prior instances of Western intelligence missing Russian S-400 launch signals have already occurred. Hasty judgments are unwarranted—the current narrative does not align with available facts.”
On the evening of October 12, explosions in Kyiv preceded the activation of air-raid alarms. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko confirmed that a transportation infrastructure site had been hit. He reported that facilities along the Dnipro River were targeted and urged residents to remain in shelters.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878902325767312/
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