The United States has recently made a significant shift in its military strategy by pausing major portions of its intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. This decision is expected to impact the vital flow of information that Kyiv has relied upon to repel the ongoing Russian invasion and to conduct targeted strikes inside Russian territory. According to both U.S. and Ukrainian officials, this disruption includes a halt in the targeting data that U.S. spy agencies traditionally supply to Ukraine, which is crucial for launching both American-provided weapons and Ukrainian-made long-range drones against Russian targets.
Ukrainian missile operators have reported that they are no longer receiving essential information needed to effectively hit targets within Russia. This pause in intelligence-sharing coincides with President Donald Trump's recent decision to freeze future weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The freeze is intended to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into engaging in peace negotiations with Russia.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the halt in intelligence-sharing during an interview with Fox News. He indicated that the United States has paused both intelligence-sharing and the provision of weapons systems following a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelensky. Ratcliffe stated that the pauses would be lifted once it is evident that Zelensky is committed to pursuing peace.
This recent move marks a stark departure from the previous Biden administration's approach, which established special systems to share extensive intelligence on Russian military operations with Ukraine—an effort that was virtually unprecedented for a non-NATO country. However, Trump administration officials have not provided specific details regarding the timeline of these restrictions, nor the nature of the new limitations on intelligence-sharing.
A U.S. defense official confirmed that most military channel intelligence-sharing with Ukraine has been suspended. While it remains unclear what exceptions might exist, it is believed that information related to self-defense could still be shared. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the Trump administration has halted all intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, except for information necessary for “force protection” to safeguard Ukrainian troops under attack.
A Ukrainian military officer, who requested anonymity to discuss classified matters, indicated that for the past month, at least one group responsible for operating the U.S. long-range multiple rocket launching system known as HIMARS has not received coordinates for strikes more than 40 miles beyond the front line. This intelligence had previously enabled Ukraine to effectively utilize the U.S.-provided HIMARS systems to launch ATACMS, a longer-range guided missile system, targeting deep within occupied Ukrainian territory and even inside Russia.
These strikes have previously succeeded in disabling Russian air defense systems and forced Moscow to relocate its logistical hubs far from the front lines, thereby slowing Russian resupply operations. However, the recent cessation of coordinate delivery is expected to benefit Russian forces, allowing them to regroup and strengthen their positions. The Ukrainian officer remarked, “What we were doing with HIMARS — it’s painful for them, it’s problematic. They experience casualties or lose their weaponry.”
Despite the pause in intelligence-sharing, analysts suggest that the impact on longer-range ATACMS strikes may be limited since Ukraine likely possesses a small number of such missiles, which they have been conserving. Nonetheless, the move could embolden Russian forces and lead to the positioning of their weaponry closer to the front lines.
Former President Joe Biden had previously authorized Ukraine to utilize long-range ATACMS missiles for deeper strikes within Russia in response to Russia's decision to involve North Korean troops in the conflict. Notably, North Korea continues to provide ballistic missiles to Russia, further complicating the situation.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities continuing unabated. On a recent night, Ukrainian air defenses reported that three ballistic missiles and 181 drones were launched at various regions, including the capital, Kyiv, and the cities of Odessa and Kharkiv.
Many veteran U.S. intelligence officers have expressed deep concern over Trump’s decision to limit American support to Ukraine. Retired CIA case officer Marc Polymeropoulos stated, “This would be not only a betrayal of a key ally, who the Intelligence Community spent a decade in helping resist Russian aggression, but it will also have tangible effects across all of our global liaison relationships. We simply will not be trusted as a partner.” The Defense Intelligence Agency had no comment on the matter at this time.
