US halts intelligence sharing with Ukraine
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CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the suspension is temporary and expressed confidence that the US would soon resume its close partnership with Ukraine.
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The American and Ukrainian flags wave in the wind outside of the Capitol on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Washington. The Senate is moving ahead with $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
The United States has temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a notable rift between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Wednesday. The decision comes after a public disagreement between the two leaders during a meeting in the Oval Office last week, which also led to the suspension of critical US military aid to Ukraine.
Speaking to Fox Business, Ratcliffe stated that the pause in intelligence cooperation is linked to Trump's concerns about Zelensky's dedication to the peace process with Russia. "President Trump had a real question about whether President Zelensky was committed to the peace process," Ratcliffe said. He noted that the suspension is temporary and expressed confidence that the US would soon resume its close partnership with Ukraine.
For Ukraine, which is engaged in a war with Russia, US intelligence support is as vital as military supplies. The sudden halt in assistance has shocked many Ukrainians, who rely heavily on American backing in their conflict with Russia.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz echoed Ratcliffe's comments, telling reporters at the White House, "We have taken a step back and are pausing and reviewing all aspects of this relationship."
Read more: Ukrainian intel: Abetted, funded, trained, equipped by the CIA
In an effort to repair relations, Zelensky described the clash with Trump as "regrettable" and expressed a desire to "make things right." Trump, meanwhile, claimed that Zelensky assured him of Ukraine's readiness to engage in peace talks with Moscow and finalize a deal granting the US access to Ukrainian minerals.
During his address to Congress, Trump read aloud from a letter by Zelensky, in which the Ukrainian president stated, "Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer." Despite the current tensions, both leaders appear committed to resolving their differences and restoring cooperation.
