The U.S. halts intelligence sharing with Ukraine after the White House blowup
The decision to stop intelligence support follows a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Friday.
IRNA- C.I.A. Director John Ratcliffe says the United States has paused intelligence sharing with and weapons shipments to Ukraine amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The decision follows a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Friday.
In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Ratcliffe said President Trump had “a real question about Zelensky’s commitment to “the peace process” and that he ordered the “pause.”
The move could seriously affect the Ukrainian military’s ability to identify Russian targets, officials said.
Ratcliffe said he hoped the pause will soon be lifted and emphasized his commitment to working with Ukraine towards ending the conflict with Russia, following a letter from Zelensky to Trump.
A senior U.S. military official said the reduction in intelligence sharing would include fewer surveillance and reconnaissance flights, which are critical for Ukraine’s defensive and offensive operations against Moscow.
CNN reported on Tuesday that both Ukrainian and U.S. military officials were assessing the potential consequences of suspending military aid to Ukraine.
