Trump orders halt of US intelligence-sharing with Ukraine
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The news: The US has temporarily cut off intelligence-sharing with Ukraine in a move that could severely impact Kyiv’s ability to target Russian forces, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Wednesday (Thursday AEDT).
Appearing on Fox Business, Ratcliffe said President Donald Trump had “asked for a pause” in intelligence-sharing after his contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ratcliffe suggested intelligence-sharing could resume.
The context: The move follows the suspension of military aid after a disastrous televised Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Zelensky.
Earlier, a number of unnamed officials told the Financial Times that the intelligence freeze was in place, though one source told Reuters it was only “partial,” without providing more details.
Bloomberg reported intelligence-sharing continues, with a Ukrainian official telling the publication they had not seen a stop. The Daily Mail first reported that the US had also blocked allies from passing its intelligence to Kyiv.
An unnamed White House official told The Wall Street Journal that military aid will remain paused until Trump is satisfied Ukraine is engaging in peace talks. National security adviser Mike Waltz told reporters outside the White House that the US is “reviewing all aspects” of its intelligence relationship with Ukraine.
What they said: In a social media post less than a day earlier, Zelensky signalled willingness to negotiate and sign a minerals deal. A Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson declined to comment on how a cut-off of US intelligence would impact its work.
The sources: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times
