Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

According to a top US official, the United States has stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

Some shit you should know before you read: Before Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States began sharing highly sensitive intelligence that helped Ukraine prepare for Russia’s invasion. Since then, the United States has continued providing real-time battlefield intelligence, including satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and surveillance data on Russian troop movements, weapons stockpiles, and planned attacks. This intelligence has been critical for Ukraine’s military planning, air defense operations, and counteroffensives, enabling Ukrainian forces to target Russian positions, anticipate missile and drone strikes, and disrupt enemy supply lines.

What’s going on now: In a confirmation, CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced that the United States has paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, alongside the suspension of military aid. Speaking on Fox Business, Ratcliffe stated that the decision was part of a broader effort to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toward peace negotiations with Russia. He suggested that the pause was temporary and could be lifted if Ukraine showed willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz echoed this sentiment, saying the US was “reviewing all aspects” of its relationship with Kyiv.

The loss of US intelligence is particularly damaging to Ukraine’s ability to track Russian troop movements, anticipate missile strikes, and conduct precision strikes on enemy positions. Previously, real-time data from US satellites, allowed Ukraine to respond quickly to Russian attacks and defend critical infrastructure. Without this intelligence, Ukraine could face greater difficulty in protecting civilian areas from missile and drone strikes and may struggle to maintain momentum on the battlefield.

Some Ukrainian officials have warned that, if the pause lasts too long, their forces may be forced to withdraw from certain contested areas due to a lack of accurate targeting information. Additionally, the halt in intelligence-sharing extends to US allies, with Britain and other NATO partners reportedly ordered to stop sharing US-generated intelligence with Ukraine, further impacting Ukrainian forces.

This all comes as US lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have criticized the decision. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said, “I’m very worried about that long term… because that gives Ukraine an edge. But hopefully, all this will clear up.” Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT), said the “pause on providing matériel to Ukraine against Putin’s aggression is unconscionable on its own, but the idea that we will now withhold lifesaving intelligence from Ukrainians who are fighting and dying is unforgivable.”