On March 9, 2023, aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States is nearing the end of a suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This development comes as Trump anticipates positive outcomes from upcoming discussions with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
When asked about the possibility of reinstating intelligence sharing, Trump confidently stated, "We just about have." This statement aligns with comments from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who revealed earlier in the week that the U.S. had indeed halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This suspension places significant pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to collaborate with Trump in organizing peace talks with Russia.
The intelligence sharing suspension poses serious risks as it could undermine Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian missile strikes. This decision follows a broader halt to U.S. military aid to Kyiv, raising concerns about the ongoing conflict's impact on Ukrainian sovereignty and safety.
U.S. officials are set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. These discussions aim to assess Ukraine's willingness to make material concessions to Russia in order to facilitate an end to the war. Additionally, the fate of a significant minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv looms over the negotiations, adding further complexity to the talks.
Expressing optimism about the discussions, Trump stated, "We're going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week." Previously, Zelenskiy and Trump had intended to sign a minerals accord that would grant the U.S. access to critical mineral resources in Ukraine. However, this agreement was not finalized after tensions arose during Zelenskiy's visit to the White House.
Trump expressed confidence that Ukraine would ultimately sign the minerals agreement, which Kyiv hopes will include a U.S. security guarantee. "They will sign the minerals deal but I want them to want peace... They haven't shown it to the extent they should," Trump remarked.
In addition to discussing the minerals deal, Trump mentioned that his administration is exploring various options concerning tariffs on Russia. He further indicated that U.S. officials are not particularly concerned about military exercises involving Russia, China, and Iran, suggesting a strategic approach to international relations.
This situation remains fluid, and the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia will be crucial in determining the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the ongoing conflict with Russia.
