Scott Bessent confirms continued intelligence support and Starlink access for Kyiv

Washington continues support for Kyiv

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasised that the American side is not taking Russia's side. In his view, Washington maintains its course of assisting Ukraine by ensuring the transfer of intelligence information and access to the Starlink satellite communication system. Furthermore, the United States allows NATO member states to purchase American weapons for the purpose of subsequently transferring them to Kyiv.

«Саме так чинять із союзниками. Росії ми нічого подібного не надаємо», — наголосив Бессент. (That is how you treat allies. We do not provide anything similar to Russia)

Criticism of Europe's import policy

The head of the US Treasury Department stated that Europe is effectively financing Russia's "war machine". According to Bessent, the United States imports Russian goods worth $4 billion, of which $1.8 billion is accounted for by fertilisers. Meanwhile, he said, European countries purchase more than 10 times the amount of Russian goods.

UK position and Zelensky's reaction

Bessent drew attention to the relaxation of restrictions in the United Kingdom regarding fuel produced from Russian oil. He recalled that in May, London lifted restrictions on the supply of diesel and aviation fuel produced from Russian oil. The Treasury Secretary also noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not express criticism towards the British authorities over this decision.

Issue of Patriot system supply

Regarding air defence, Bessent questioned the allies' reluctance to transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine. He specifically mentioned Germany, asking: «Чому ж вони не поспішають їх надавати? Де Німеччина?» (Why are they not in a hurry to provide them? Where is Germany?)

Dispelling rumours about intelligence and Starlink

The US Treasury Secretary denied reports of a suspension in the exchange of intelligence data with Ukraine. He called such reports false and urged Volodymyr Zelensky to be more careful with similar statements. Bessent also refuted claims that the Donald Trump administration had limited the speed of Starlink in Ukraine to slow down communications. He emphasised that representatives of the US government had not interfered with the operation of the satellite service for such a purpose.