'No Such Changes' Were Ordered to Hurt Ukrainian Intelligence Sharing, Rubio Explains

Rubio urged that there’s been nothing the U.S. has done to harm “intelligence sharing” with Ukraine when talking with reporters following the "45-minute conversation." 

SECRETARY RUBIO: There's nothing being deliberately denied to Ukraine. It's simply a balance between our obligations to other partners, and frankly, our own standards and requirements for our own facilities as well. https://t.co/x9NWbIufBa

— Department of State (@StateDept) October 20, 2026

“The President made it very clear he’s ordered no such changes.  So none of that has changed – none of it,” he said. “And I see reporting that it has, but it’s just not accurate. It’s not true.”

He also stressed that concerns about missile interceptor supply access are not unique to Ukraine, saying that it’s “probably the most in-demand product right now in the defense field.” 

“I know one of the things that President Zelenskyy has been talking about is that he’s been trying to buy interceptors, and I understand. So does every other country in the world,” Rubio said.

“So, there’s nothing being deliberately denied to Ukraine. It’s simply – it’s a balance between our obligations to other partners, and frankly our own standards and requirements for our own facilities as well,” the Secretary of State later added. 

Zelensky said in an X post Tuesday that it was a “substantive conversation” with Rubio.

I spoke with Marco Rubio @SecRubio, and it was a substantive conversation – focused on the issues that matter. I am grateful for his readiness to help and his clear position. First, ballistic missile interceptors, which are needed to protect lives. Second, early warning of Russian ballistic missile attacks, which is vital. Third, the situation with Starlink/Starshield, which needs to be restored. Of course, all of this comes against the backdrop of our diplomatic efforts to end this horrific war and the constant killing of people. We agreed to get in touch again soon for an update. Thank you, Marco, for the constructive discussion! Thank you to everyone in America who supports fair approaches!

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 20, 2026

“I am grateful for his readiness to help and his clear position. First, ballistic missile interceptors, which are needed to protect lives. Second, early warning of Russian ballistic missile attacks, which is vital,” the Ukrainian president wrote. 

“Third, the situation with Starlink/Starshield, which needs to be restored. Of course, all of this comes against the backdrop of our diplomatic efforts to end this horrific war and the constant killing of people. We agreed to get in touch again soon for an update,” he continued. 

Trump said on Monday that he’s willing to do a three-way meeting that Russian President Vladimir Putin floated between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping to end the war. 

“I think it's time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine,” he told reporters on Monday.

"We've given a lot to Ukraine. They've given nothing to us. Remember that,” the president added.