The United States has suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv in a move that could severely restrict the Ukrainian military’s ability to strike Russian forces.
The cut-off comes after the US suspended military aid to Ukraine amid a dramatic collapse in relations between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Since the start of the war in 2022, the US has provided Ukraine with significant intelligence, including critical information its military needs for targeting purposes.
It was not immediately clear to what extent the US had cut off the sharing.
In an interview, CIA Director, John Ratcliffe confirmed the decision to restrict the provision of US intelligence to Ukraine, but suggested it was limited in scope and temporary to force sides back into negotiations.
“What President Trump said is, he asked for a pause. As I mentioned, President Trump is the peace President, [there has] never been a war under his leadership, [and] he wants to end the wars that exist.
“And so in this case, as everyone saw play out, President Trump had a real question about whether President Zelenskyy was committed to the peace process, and he said: let’s pause, I want to give you a chance to think about that. And you saw the response that President Zelensky put out a statement saying, I’m ready for peace, and I want Donald Trump’s leadership to bring about that peace.”
John Ratcliffe
He opined that on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause [that prompted Ukraine’s President to respond] I think will go away.
“I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, but [it was needed] to put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.”
John Ratcliffe
Also, US National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz told reporters that the US “had taken a step back” and the administration was “reviewing all aspects” of its intelligence relationship with Ukraine.
Waltz also said that the U.S. was actively engaged in talks with Ukraine about moving negotiations forward on minerals deal and a potential peace deal with Russia. “I think we’re going to see movement in very short order,” he added.
Trump Likely To Consider Restoring Aid
Additionally, White House National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz said that Trump would consider restoring aid to Ukraine if talks to end the war are arranged.
Trump on Tuesday said that he received a letter from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which the Ukrainian leader expressed willingness to enter negotiations over Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said in the letter that he was “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.” He added, “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.”
In the interview, Waltz said that the letter was a “good, positive first step.”
Without elaborating, he said, “I think if we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations, and in fact, put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the President will take a hard look at lifting this pause.” He added, “We have to know that both sides are sincerely negotiating towards a partial, then a permanent, peace.”
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