Washington: The United States has temporarily stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, a move that could limit Kyiv’s capabilities in its ongoing war with Russia. The decision comes as Washington increases pressure on both nations to negotiate a peace deal.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced on Wednesday, March 5, that the U.S. has paused intelligence-sharing with Kyiv for now. This follows comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described his recent meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House as "regrettable" and expressed willingness to negotiate peace with Russia.
Ratcliffe, speaking to Fox Business Network, suggested that the intelligence-sharing freeze might not last long. “I believe this temporary halt in military and intelligence cooperation will soon end,” he said. “We need to stand with Ukraine and prevent further aggression, while also positioning the world for successful peace negotiations.”
Since the war began in 2022, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with vital intelligence, including military data crucial for planning attacks against Russian forces. However, Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, told reporters on Wednesday that the U.S. has now taken “a step back” and is “reviewing all aspects” of its intelligence relationship with Ukraine.
Waltz also stated in an interview with CBS News that Washington is moving swiftly to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which may include agreements on mining rights for rare earth minerals. “I believe we’ll see movement soon,” Waltz said, adding that American officials are engaged in diplomatic efforts with Russia and are planning further discussions with Ukrainian leaders.
He confirmed that he recently spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Ukraine’s National Security Advisor, to discuss meeting locations, timelines, and delegation details.
During his address to Congress on Tuesday night, Trump revealed that he had received a letter from Zelensky expressing interest in peace talks with Russia. “That would be great,” Trump said. “It’s time to end this madness, to stop the killing, and to put an end to this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you need to talk to both sides.”
Zelensky’s position aligns with a statement he released on social media, in which he said Ukraine is “ready to negotiate as soon as possible” and will work under Trump’s “strong leadership” to achieve a peace agreement.
He acknowledged that his White House meeting with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday was “regrettable” but stated he is prepared to sign a deal granting the U.S. long-term access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which are critical for American technology production.
Zelensky added, “My meeting with President Trump and Vice President Vance did not go as expected. Now is the time to set things right. We want to build a future of constructive cooperation and relations.”
Vice President Vance told VOA on Tuesday that “ending this war is in Russia’s interest, Ukraine’s interest, and the United States’ interest.”
As part of any peace agreement, Zelensky insists that the first step must include the release of prisoners of war from both sides and an immediate halt to drone strikes, missile attacks, and bombings of energy and infrastructure facilities..
