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Secretary of State Rubio Slams 'Outrageous' Claims of Withheld Intelligence to Ukraine

As US envoys head to Norway for high-stakes talks, the administration pushes back against baseless accusations regarding military support.

Foreign PolicyPublished October 20, 2026 at 12:08 PM
NORWAY-US-UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-TALKS Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky disembarks the airplane after landing at Oslo Airport on October 20, 2026 ahead of talks. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in talks in Oslo

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is setting the record straight, labeling recent accusations that the United States is withholding intelligence from Ukraine as both 'scandalous' and 'outrageous.' The pushback comes after claims from Ukrainian military technical adviser Serhii Beskrestnov suggested that inconsistent U.S. warnings were leading to unnecessary casualties.

Rubio, currently on a diplomatic visit to India, addressed the situation head-on, clarifying that while certain military assets like Patriot interceptors may face logistical delays, there has been no intentional denial of support to Kyiv.

The diplomatic temperature is rising as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Norway for talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, aimed at stabilizing a relationship that has grown increasingly strained. President Trump has been clear that it is time for new leadership in Ukraine and a fresh approach to negotiations.

Meanwhile, the burden of defense spending remains a point of contention; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently acknowledged that the U.S. has ceased funding Ukraine’s defense since the start of 2025, leaving European nations to shoulder the financial load.

Vice-President JD Vance has reinforced the administration's position, noting that while Ukraine is a partner, the U.S. has its own national interests, including a desire for Kyiv to cease attacks on Russian energy infrastructure that drive up fuel prices for American families.

As the Oslo summit approaches, the focus remains on achieving a lasting peace while ensuring American resources are managed with the scrutiny the taxpayers deserve.

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