Trump team denies restricting intelligence to Ukraine needed for defense operations
Photo: Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff (GettyImages)
Donald Trump’s representatives announced progress in negotiations on peace in Ukraine. They also expressed hope for signing an agreement on rare earth minerals, Al Jazeera reports.
Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stated that the United States expects significant progress in negotiations on Ukraine this week and hopes to sign an agreement on the most critical minerals.
"I think we are going there with the hope of making significant progress," Witkoff said.
According to Trump's special envoy, Ukraine and the US will also discuss intelligence sharing during their meetings this week.
At the same time, he noted that the United States has never restricted access to intelligence information necessary for the protection Ukraine requires.
US suspends intelligence sharing with Ukraine
Recently, the US completely halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Despite the White House not explaining this decision or issuing any prior warning, the CIA director confirmed reports about blocking the transfer of intelligence to Ukraine.
Later, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that France is ready to replace the US in providing intelligence information to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Western media reported that the UK would continue supplying intelligence to Ukraine even after Washington halted its intelligence exchange with Kyiv. However, British intelligence capabilities are smaller compared to those of the US.
Earlier, US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, proposed resuming intelligence sharing with Ukraine and renewing weapons transfers for defense until a ceasefire is achieved.
In addition, US President Donald Trump stated that the country may resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This information exchange was recently blocked along with the suspension of aid at the initiative of official Washington.
Meanwhile, during these developments, Russia launched another large-scale attack on Ukrainian territory. On the night of March 7, Russian forces carried out a combined missile strike on Ukraine using various types of rockets. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 34 out of 67 missiles launched by Russia. Before, it was reported that due to the US decision on intelligence sharing, Ukrainian forces might struggle to respond quickly to Russian strikes.
