The recent decision by the Trump administration to halt intelligence-sharing with Ukraine has become a serious challenge for the Ukrainian military, significantly weakening its operational capabilities. According to officials familiar with the matter, the intelligence cut-off could severely hinder Kyiv’s ability to track and strike Russian forces effectively.
A Sharp Deterioration in US-Ukraine Relations
This move follows the recent US decision to suspend military aid deliveries to Ukraine. Tensions between US President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have reached a peak, leading to a significant cooling of relations between the two countries. As noted by The Financial Times, US support has been crucial to Ukraine’s military success, providing precise data on Russian troop movements and critical military facilities.
Three officials familiar with the decision confirmed that Washington had completely frozen intelligence-sharing channels with Kyiv. Additionally, the US has formally blocked its allies from sharing intelligence with Ukraine. However, according to Daily Mail, some countries with their own assets in the region may continue to provide intelligence on an unofficial basis. Nevertheless, this will not include critical and time-sensitive data necessary for precision strikes on moving targets.
Political Pressure on Ukraine
The conflict reached a new boiling point after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, where both leaders exchanged sharp statements. Later, Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret over the disagreements and stated his willingness to negotiate with the US. In a letter to Trump, the Ukrainian president proposed signing an agreement that would grant American companies the rights to exploit Ukraine’s natural resources.
In his State of the Union address, Trump, who has previously called Zelenskyy a “dictator,” acknowledged the Ukrainian leader’s conciliatory tone. However, there are no immediate plans to resume military aid. US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News that Washington could reconsider its stance if Kyiv takes concrete steps to meet new agreement conditions:
“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,” Waltz said.
Ukraine Seeks Alternative Intelligence Sources
Ukrainian military officials have stated that they have a “plan B” but have refused to disclose details. According to military expert Mykhailo Samus, the end of US cooperation could significantly weaken Ukraine’s operational capabilities. “At an operational level, to look at the movement of forces for example, satellites are a big help and US capabilities are really important,” he said.
Additionally, US intelligence has been instrumental in Ukraine’s early warning system for missile and drone attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. As Ukrainian analyst Pavlo Narozhny noted, “you can note the Reaper drones and American planes flying regularly near the border, you can see that every time a Russian MiG-31 takes off, it triggers an air raid alarm across Ukraine.”
Consequences for Military Operations
The role of US intelligence has been particularly crucial in facilitating precision strikes on Russian-held territory. While Ukraine can independently identify static targets such as factories or oil facilities, attacks on command centers and high-ranking Russian officers have likely relied on US intelligence.
The intelligence cut-off could be a significant blow to Ukraine’s defense capabilities, forcing Kyiv to seek alternative means of acquiring critical information. Amid the ongoing conflict, this decision could become a turning point in shaping future developments.
This article was prepared based on materials published by The Financial Times. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
The original article can be found at the following link: The Financial Times
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