U.S. Halts Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine as Trump Pressures Zelensky on Peace Talks
The United States has paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Wednesday, increasing pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace negotiations with Russia as urged by President Donald Trump.
The decision follows Washington’s recent halt on military aid to Kyiv, signaling a shift in U.S. policy from strong support for Ukraine to a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow. Trump revealed Tuesday that Zelensky had sent him a letter expressing readiness to negotiate, suggesting the pressure was effective.
The intelligence-sharing freeze could severely impact Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly against Russian missile strikes. Reports indicate that Washington has stopped providing targeting data used by Ukraine for strikes on Russian forces, though some sources suggest only a partial suspension is in place.
The situation has prompted strong criticism from U.S. lawmakers, with Senator Mark Warner warning that the decision will cost Ukrainian lives. Meanwhile, European allies are scrambling to maintain support for Kyiv, with France and Britain working on a separate peace plan and the Netherlands pledging €3.5 billion ($3.8 billion) in aid for 2026. As Trump deepens direct dialogue with Russia, bypassing Ukraine and European allies, concerns are mounting over the future of NATO and Western unity against Russian aggression.
