The US had restricted intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a decision that could hamper Kyiv’s ability to combat Russian forces, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Fox News, Ratcliffe said, “Trump had a real question about whether (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy was committed to the peace process, and he said: let’s pause, I want to give you a chance to think about that.”
“On the military front and the intelligence front, the pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away,” Ratcliffe added, implying that a temporary restriction was a way to push “peace negotiations to move forward.”
Ratcliffe expressed hope that the pause would soon be lifted and emphasised that he remained committed to working with Ukraine to achieve peace.
Kyiv did not immediately comment on Ratcliffe’s remark, and it is not immediately clear to what extent and in what areas the flow of intelligence between Ukraine and the US has been curbed.
Reports circulated on Wednesday that Washington had cut off intelligence sharing with the war-torn country. However, Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne cited a source saying it continued.
In 2024, US media reported that the CIA and other US intelligence agencies provided vital information allowing Ukraine to track Russian troop movements, support spy networks and enact targeted missile strikes.
Intelligence provided by the US is thought to be critical in allowing Ukrainian troops to selectively attack supply lines and within Russia — slowing the advance of Moscow’s forces without unnecessarily expending their supplies.
‘Time to make things right’
Earlier this week, the US president paused shipments of military support to Ukraine following a public spat with Zelenskyy, which culminated in the Ukrainian leader leaving the White House without signing a lucrative deal on Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals.
Trump later criticised Zelenskyy, claiming he wasn’t “ready” for peace negotiations.
On Tuesday, Trump softened his tone towards the Ukrainian leader after telling Congress that Zelenskyy had sent him a letter outlining his gratitude for US support.
“My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,” Trump quoted Zelenskyy as writing.
Trump said the Ukrainian leader told him he was ready to sign the minerals deal, which would give Washington a 50% cut of all revenues generated from Ukraine’s mineral and natural resources.
His quotes echoed statements from Zelenskyy himself, who said it was “time to make things right” earlier on Tuesday and outlined the first stages of how the war could end.
It is understood that Kyiv will still continue to receive intelligence from other allies, including the United Kingdom.
Speaking in the House of Commons, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not respond directly to a question about intelligence sharing, instead saying that “the US, the UK, Europe and Ukraine, are working together, but we must not choose between the US and Europe.”
