US Halts Intelligence Aid to Ukraine

United States has now paused the intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. This move is yet another tactic of piling pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cooperate with US President Donald Trump in convening peace talks with Russia. With the same intent the US had halted the military aid to the country, earlier this week.

The move could leave Kyiv in the dark over the movements of Moscow’s strategic bomber aircraft and the launches of ballistic missiles.

These moves are made following a disastrous Oval Office meeting on Friday when Trump and Zelensky engaged in a shouting match before the world’s media.

According to the sources the Trump administration had halted “everything,” including targeting data that Ukraine has used to strike Russian targets, as reported by Reuters. Another source has stated that intelligence-sharing had only “partially” been cut.

White House officials have indicated that both bans, including on military aid and information, could be lifted if peace talks progressed.

“I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause I think will go away,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox Business Network on Wednesday.

“I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, but to put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward,” he added.

Mineral Deal between US and Ukraine

Washington halted the military aid to Kyiv following an explosive meeting between Trump and Zelensky. This clash also delayed the signing of a deal that would give the US rights to revenue from Ukraine’s critical mineral deposits, which Trump has demanded from Ukraine to repay the US military aid.

Zelensky said on Wednesday there had been “positive movement” on the issue and officials from the two countries could meet again soon.

The White House said it is reconsidering its pause in funding for Ukraine and talks between the two countries over a minerals deal were ongoing.

According to a senior administration official, the signing of the mineral deal was expected to happen soon. It has also been hinted that this could be the first step in a longer negotiation between Ukraine, Washington and Russia on ending the war.

In an address to Congress on Tuesday evening, Trump said Kyiv was ready to sign a minerals deal. He also said he had been in “serious discussions with Russia” and received strong signals that it was ready for peace.

“It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides,” he said.