US Cuts Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine
Amid fragile relations between the United States and Ukraine, sources report that the US administration has cut off intelligence sharing with the Ukrainian military.
Officials familiar with the matter confirmed Wednesday that this move could severely hamper Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian forces.
Trump’s Address and Ukraine’s Response
In his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump stated, “I received a letter from Ukrainian President Zelensky saying that Ukraine is ready to sit down at the negotiating table.” According to Trump, Zelensky is prepared to work under his leadership to achieve peace.
Trump added that Zelensky’s letter expressed appreciation for America’s support in maintaining Ukraine’s independence and indicated readiness to sign a minerals agreement.
The US president also noted that Russia had shown strong signals of interest in peace. However, the minerals deal remained unsigned following a tense meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the White House.
Since this so-called “shouting pause” at the White House, Trump has continued to take actions against Ukraine.
Suspension of Military Aid
Last Monday, Bloomberg reported on Trump’s decision to suspend all military aid to Ukraine.
Vice President J.D. Vance explained the move, stating, “If Zelensky wants real security guarantees and to ensure that Putin will not invade again, the best security guarantee is to give Americans an economic return on Ukraine’s future.”
This decision effectively halts the transfer of about $1 billion in military equipment, previously approved by the Biden administration and in the process of being ordered and shipped.
Additionally, the decision freezes hundreds of millions of dollars from a separate fund used by Ukraine to purchase military equipment from American suppliers.
