Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), who recently visited Ukraine, warned on Monday that the Trump administration’s suspension of intelligence-sharing has significantly weakened Kyiv’s ability to defend against Russian attacks. He also dismissed Elon Musk’s accusation that he is a “traitor” for criticizing Trump’s actions.
When asked whether specific attacks could have been prevented if Ukraine had received the withheld intelligence, Kelly responded:
“One hundred percent,” he told reporters. “If there’s stuff they don’t get, that they need, that changes their ability to defend against attacks. And those attacks happened on Friday night, on Saturday, when I was there.”
The Arizona senator, a member of the Armed Services Committee, declined to provide further details but emphasized the real-world consequences of the intelligence freeze.
Kelly’s visit to Ukraine from Saturday to Sunday was aimed at assessing the situation on the ground and demonstrating continued U.S. support for Kyiv.
Since Thursday, Ukraine has reported a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks, resulting in:
- Damage to energy and gas infrastructure
- At least 14 civilians killed and 37 wounded
- Overnight airstrikes targeting Kyiv on Monday
The attacks coincided with Trump’s decision to halt intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a move widely seen as an attempt to pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky into peace talks with Russia.
The freeze came shortly after the White House suspended U.S. military aid to Kyiv, a decision made after a contentious meeting in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed with Zelensky over future support.
On Monday, Zelensky traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ahead of scheduled U.S.-Ukraine discussions that Washington hopes will advance peace talks.
Support for Ukraine, once a bipartisan priority, has become deeply divided since Trump’s second term began on January 20.
- Democratic lawmakers continue backing Ukraine
- Republican support has weakened, with House Speaker Mike Johnson recently declaring there is “no appetite” for another aid package
Highlighting the political divide, Elon Musk attacked Kelly on X, branding him a “traitor” after the senator criticized Trump’s intelligence freeze and accused the administration of undermining Ukraine’s defenses before peace negotiations.
Despite growing tensions, Kelly reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that withholding vital intelligence puts lives at risk and strengthens Russia’s position in the ongoing war.
