Amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern over the lack of advance warning before a recent Russian missile strike. Zelensky stated that neither the United States nor other allies provided timely intelligence ahead of the ballistic missile attack on Sunday night. This incident marks the third occasion in a short span where Ukraine did not receive its usual early warning of missile threats.
The issue of intelligence sharing has become a contentious topic between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. While Zelensky voiced concerns about the absence of warning, President Trump refuted claims that the intelligence flow to Ukraine had been halted, insisting that the United States continues to share intelligence with Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials speculate that there may have been a temporary restriction in intelligence sharing from the U.S., potentially allowing the initial wave of Russian attacks to occur without forewarning. They noted that the early-warning support reportedly resumed in time for a second wave of strikes later that Sunday. However, a U.S. Defense Department official stated that there has been no change in the Pentagon’s policy regarding intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
This development comes against the backdrop of increasing friction between the Ukrainian and U.S. administrations over the ongoing conflict and strategies to resolve it. Earlier in March 2025, the U.S. had temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a tense meeting involving Zelensky, Trump, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, though the suspension was later lifted.
