Rubio says US defence needs explain Ukraine arms delay

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any deliberate US policy to harm Ukraine, citing America's own defence needs after delays in weapons deliveries, including Patriot interceptors, sparked a row with Kyiv. Rubio pointed to last month's security alert near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to justify prioritising US requirements, while rejecting claims of a political directive against Ukraine. He also dismissed intelligence-sharing problems as a technical matter, not a US decision to withhold warnings. The dispute follows President Trump waiving sanctions on Moscow and allowing Russian diesel sales to lower fuel prices before US elections. Kyiv accused Washington of withholding intelligence and disrupting Starlink, claims the White House denied, as Zelensky criticised Trump's stance.