05 March 2025 , 13:46
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The US has cut off all intelligence-sharing with Kyiv in a move that could seriously hamper the Ukrainian military’s ability to target Russian forces, the director of the CIA has confirmed
President Donald Trump has also suspended the delivery of military aid to the country amid a souring of relations between his administration and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Since the beginning of the conflict, US intelligence has made it possible for Ukraine to identify Russian military targets and hit them.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News the US has paused weapons shipments and intelligence to Ukraine after the Oval Office fallout last Friday. Ratcliffe said he was looking forward to being able to lift the pause and work towards a peaceful resolution.
A Ukrainian source has provided further information about the ban, claiming that it will be "selective". This means that Washington will continue to share intel that can be used to strike Russian targets operating on Ukrainian soil. However, intelligence that could lead to Russian Federation target hits is now unavailable to Kyiv.
The source told Sky News: "Unfortunately, yes, but not completely. It is selective. On the possibility of damage on the territory of the Russian Federation".
It comes after reports emerged claiming that Britain has been barred from sharing intelligence with the nation, which is desperately trying to defend itself in the gruelling years-long conflict. There are already concerns Ukraine could run out of weapons in as little as two to three months’ time following Mr Trump’s decision to freeze American military aid to Kyiv.
And now reports claim all UK intelligence agencies and military outlets have received an order expressly forbidding the sharing of US-generated intelligence, previously known as "Rel UKR" - short for Releasable to Ukraine.
It is another huge blow for Mr Zelensky, 47, as the UK and other Western security partners such as Australia and New Zealand have shared such knowledge with Ukraine since the conflict began three years ago. As Russia’s onslaught continues, it is feared the ban will further hamper Ukraine’s chances to defend itself.