US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that Washington has not sided with Russia in the war against Ukraine, despite recent controversial decisions by Donald Trump’s administration. According to him, the United States continues to provide Ukraine with intelligence support, ensures access to Starlink satellite communications and allows NATO allies to purchase American weapons for transfer to Kyiv. At the same time, Bessent criticised President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for suggesting that the US authorities were involved in restricting Starlink’s operations and urged him to be more cautious in his remarks. The official made these comments on 18 October 2026 in an interview with NBC News.
- Scott Bessent denied that the US had sided with Russia.
- Washington continues to support Ukraine with intelligence and satellite communications.
- NATO allies may purchase US weapons for Ukraine.
- Bessent criticised Zelenskyy’s statements regarding restrictions on Starlink.
Bessent denied that the US had sided with Russia
During the ‘Meet the Press’ programme on NBC News, the US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent They asked about the deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv, as well as about the Ukrainian president’s comments on the Trump administration’s policies.
Bessent rejected the claim that the United States is, in fact, supporting Moscow. To back up his position, he cited examples of American aid which, he said, continues to be provided to Ukraine. This primarily involves the exchange of intelligence and the use of satellite communications Starlink and the possibility for European NATO countries to purchase US-made weapons for the Ukrainian army.
The minister also described the notion that support for Ukraine is at odds with US policy towards Russia as mistaken. In his view, the Trump administration retains the ability to exert influence over Moscow, whilst seeking a diplomatic resolution to the war.
Bessent urged Zelenskyy to be cautious in his statements
A separate section of the interview was devoted to problems with the satellite communications systems used by the Ukrainian military.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported restrictions on Starlink’s operations, which had hampered the execution of combat missions, in particular the interception of Russian drones. The Ukrainian side also reported disruptions to the receipt of US intelligence data.
Journalist Kristen Welker asked Bessent whether he could guarantee that no one in the US administration had ordered the introduction of the relevant restrictions. The minister replied that Donald Trump and the Secretary of State Marco Rubio categorically denied that the US administration had any involvement in these decisions.
Bessent described Zelenskyy’s accusations as ill-advised and stressed that the Ukrainian president should be cautious when making such statements. At the same time, when asked about the specific reasons for the technical limitations and temporary problems with intelligence data, the minister admitted that he did not have the relevant information.
What is happening with Starlink and US intelligence data?
In mid-October, the Ukrainian military reported restrictions on satellite communications whilst drones were in flight. The problems affected systems used for reconnaissance, logistics and the interception of Russian drones.
Some of the reports concerned the military system Starshield, developed by SpaceX for government clients. Unlike the standard Starlink service, its use is governed by separate agreements.
Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine had not received the usual warnings from its partners regarding specific launches of Russian ballistic missiles.
US officials denied that the intelligence-sharing had been deliberately suspended. At the same time, reports from the Ukrainian side indicate that the restrictions on satellite communications had practical implications for military operations.
As of 18 October, the full circumstances surrounding the imposition of these restrictions have not yet been established.
The US has not lifted sanctions against Russia, claims Bessent
During the interview, the Finance Minister also commented on Donald Trump’s decision regarding sanctions against Moscow.
Bessent stated that the current US restrictions against Russia had not been lifted. He explained that the administration had been granted a 60-day period to assess the situation, and that the actual changes related to the embargo on Russian diesel fuel.
The official highlighted the sanctions against the Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, describing them as a serious blow to the Russian Federation’s energy sector.
At the same time, Trump had previously postponed the implementation of a new package of sanctions passed by the US Congress, citing the country’s national interests.
Zelenskyy warned the US of a historic mistake
The US minister’s comments came following a fresh escalation of tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
On 18 October, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with NBC News that the US had sided with the Russian president Vladimir Putin would be a historical mistake. The Ukrainian president emphasised that he continues to regard Donald Trump as an ally and hopes that Washington will reconsider its recent decisions.
Among the most contentious issues remain the easing of restrictions on trade in Russian energy resources, US pressure regarding Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, and the operation of critical military support systems.
Despite political differences, cooperation between Ukraine and the US in the defence sector continues. However, Bessent’s statements do not yet contain any specific guarantees regarding the full restoration of all satellite communications and intelligence-sharing capabilities.
