Media: CIA director confirms suspension of US intelligence sharing with Ukraine

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has confirmed that the United States has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that could significantly impact the Ukrainian military's ability to target Russian forces effectively.

Fox News journalist Jacqui Heinrich reported that the decision, which was communicated by officials familiar with the matter, is part of a broader shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Heinrich noted that this suspension comes after the Trump administration's decision on March 3 to halt military aid deliveries to Ukraine, a development following a tense breakdown in relations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Caliber.Az reports.

Heinrich wrote that Maria Bartiromo asked CIA Director Ratcliffe about the suspension, to which he tacitly confirmed the move, referring to it as part of a "pause on the military front, on the intelligence front, to hold everyone accountable to drive peace around the world."

The suspension of intelligence cooperation, which has been crucial for Ukraine in identifying and striking Russian military targets, includes the freezing of intelligence channels between Washington and Kyiv. In addition to cutting off direct intelligence-sharing, the U.S. has formally blocked its allies from passing on U.S. intelligence to Ukraine, though some allies with assets inside Ukraine may continue to provide intelligence. However, this will not include time-sensitive or high-value intelligence necessary for precision strikes on Russian targets.

The U.S. decision to halt intelligence-sharing was initially reported by the Daily Mail, revealing a deepening of tensions between Washington and Kyiv. The strained relationship was exacerbated by a heated exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump in the Oval Office, which followed the suspension of military aid.

In a bid to mend relations, Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret on March 4 for the televised clash, stating that Ukraine was "ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible." Zelenskyy also indicated his willingness to sign a deal with the U.S. granting the country rights to exploit Ukraine’s natural resources.

In a subsequent address on March 4, President Trump acknowledged Zelenskyy’s comments and expressed appreciation for his words. U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested that military aid to Ukraine could be reinstated if negotiations progress. “If we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations, and in fact, put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the president will take a hard look at lifting this pause,” Waltz told Fox News on March 5.

By Vugar Khalilov