Bessent gives Ukraine's Zelensky stern warning about claims U.S. restricted Starlink drone system

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went on to say that Zelensky "should be very careful about making statements like this that aren't true."

Published: October 19, 2026 11:54am

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelensky a stern warning about allegations he's made that the U.S. is restricting the Starlink system Ukraine uses in its military operations. 

Ukraine uses the military-grade version of Starlink, called Starshield, and Zelensky has accused the U.S. of restricting the network. 

Bessent said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the Ukrainian president's remarks are "reckless." 

“President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [Marco] Rubio have categorically said that no one under the Trump administration did that, and I think it is very reckless for President Zelensky to make such a charge,” Bessent said.

Bessent went on to say that Zelensky "should be very careful about making statements like this that aren't true." 

 

 

 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News