The U.S. has suspended military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, increasing pressure on President Zelensky to engage in peace talks with Russia. Sources indicate that this halt includes crucial targeting data, limiting Ukraine’s ability for effective drone strikes and leaving it vulnerable to Russian missile attacks. The decision follows a tense meeting between Trump and Zelensky, affecting negotiations over a minerals deal essential for repaying U.S. aid. Despite the current impasse, Trump suggests that the bans could be lifted if progress toward peace is made, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Washington, DC:
The United States has suspended all military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, intensifying the pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky to collaborate with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to initiate peace talks with Russia. According to sources familiar with the situation, the Trump administration has stopped “everything,” including critical data on targets within Russia, significantly hampering Ukraine’s capacity to conduct effective long-range drone operations, as reported by Reuters.
This decision may also leave Kyiv uninformed about the activities of Moscow’s strategic bombers and the launch of ballistic missiles.
Pressure Tactic?
The suspension, which could jeopardize lives by diminishing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian missile assaults, followed the cancellation of US military aid to Kyiv earlier this week after a contentious Oval Office meeting where Trump and Zelensky reportedly shouted at each other in front of the media. This situation highlights Trump’s readiness to adopt a tough stance with an ally, transitioning from previously strong US support for Ukraine to a more conciliatory position toward Moscow.
A source informed Reuters that the Trump administration had halted “everything,” including the targeting data Ukraine relies on for striking Russian positions. Another source indicated that intelligence-sharing had been only “partially” cut, though further details were not available.
White House officials have suggested that both the military aid and intelligence embargo could be lifted should substantial progress in peace talks be made.
“I believe that both the military and intelligence pauses will eventually be lifted,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated on Fox Business Network on Wednesday.
“We will work closely with Ukraine to counter the ongoing aggression and create a more favorable environment for peace negotiations,” he continued.
Trump Zelensky Clash
The US on Monday suspended military assistance to Kyiv after a heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky. This confrontation postponed the signing of a deal that would grant the US access to earnings from Ukraine’s vital mineral resources, a condition Trump has set to reimburse US military aid.
Zelensky remarked on Wednesday that there had been “positive movement” regarding the deal, and that officials from both nations could reconvene soon.
The White House announced it is reevaluating its halt on funding for Ukraine, with negotiations on the minerals agreement still ongoing between the two nations.
Mineral Deal Soon?
A senior administration official noted on Wednesday that the signing is anticipated to occur shortly and is viewed as the first step in a prolonged negotiation involving Ukraine, Washington, and Russia toward ending the conflict.
In a speech to Congress on Tuesday night, Trump asserted that Kyiv was prepared to finalize a minerals deal. He also mentioned being engaged in “serious discussions with Russia” and receiving optimistic indications of Moscow’s willingness for peace.
“It’s time to conclude this pointless war. To resolve conflicts, you must engage with both parties,” he stated.