Media: Trump blocks US intelligence, jeopardising UK's Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine

Britain’s long-range Storm Shadow missiles could become ineffective in Ukraine after US President Donald Trump blocked the sharing of crucial American intelligence with allies.

This decision represents a significant blow to Ukraine’s defence capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump’s move to halt American military aid and suspend intelligence sharing with Kyiv has put Ukrainian efforts at a severe disadvantage, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The UK, a key ally that has consistently supported Ukraine, is one of the countries now prohibited from sharing US-generated intelligence with Kyiv. This restriction comes at a time when tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have escalated, following a highly charged confrontation in the Oval Office last week. This incident has sparked increased support for Ukraine from European countries, including Britain.

UK intelligence agencies and military outlets have been expressly ordered not to share any US-produced intelligence, previously known as "Rel UKR" (Releasable to Ukraine). The impact of this ban is expected to be far-reaching, especially as British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which are critical for Ukrainian strikes in Russia’s Kursk region, rely on US intelligence to ensure accuracy in targeting. 

The Storm Shadow missiles, developed jointly by the UK and France (where they are called Scalp), are precision-guided munitions specifically designed for deep-strike operations. These highly effective missiles can strike targets up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) away and are valued at approximately 2 million pounds each. They allow Ukraine to hit hardened bunkers, ammunition depots, critical infrastructure, and other key targets at long ranges.

The US has recently halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine, sparking concerns about the country's defence capabilities in the face of Russian aggression. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that this suspension followed a freeze on military aid, both of which stem from disagreements between President Trump and President Zelenskyy over a joint investment in rare minerals.

This decision is especially concerning given Ukraine's dependence on US intelligence for its military strategies. Without access to vital information, Ukraine's ability to accurately target Russian forces is compromised, which could result in more civilian casualties.

By Naila Huseynova