Media: US intelligence still key to Ukraine’s defence despite aid uncertainty

As the US contemplates suspending military aid to Ukraine, the one thing that remains undeniably vital to its defence is the uninterrupted flow of American intelligence.

Despite the recent suspension of certain US military assistance, including weapons and ammunition, the flow of vital intelligence remains uninterrupted—an element that is indispensable for Ukraine’s military operations, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Economist.

On March 3, the White House announced a temporary halt to military aid until the Ukrainian government demonstrates more commitment to Donald Trump’s peace plan. This move has sent ripples of uncertainty through Kyiv, with fears mounting that key military equipment, such as Patriot air-defence missiles, Starlink satellite access, and intelligence-sharing arrangements, might be affected. However, Ukrainian officials are holding onto the hope that intelligence support will continue as a crucial pillar of their defence strategy.

The US intelligence network has been a game-changer for Ukraine’s military effectiveness. Through NATO channels, American intelligence allows Ukraine to track Russian movements and locate critical targets deep behind enemy lines. This capability has enabled precision strikes, including successful hits on Russian logistics and fuel depots.

Without the rapid, real-time intelligence provided by the US, Ukraine would face significant challenges in targeting high-value Russian assets, particularly with the dynamic nature of modern warfare.

Ukrainian drones, which have been an integral part of the country’s battlefield strategy, rely heavily on American intelligence to reach targets deep within Russian territory. While Ukraine has managed to develop workarounds, such as mobile technologies and drone relays, these alternatives are not as reliable and leave the Ukrainian forces vulnerable to Russian electronic warfare.

A source close to Ukraine’s military leadership emphasised the importance of US intelligence, noting that without it, Ukraine would struggle to maintain the pace of its counteroffensive. The situation is dire, with many officials warning that a halt to intelligence-sharing would be as damaging as the loss of weapons or ammunition.

Lieutenant Nazary Kishak, who served on the front lines in Bakhmut, highlighted the tragic consequences of a prior shortage in military supplies, which saw Ukrainian soldiers outgunned by Russian artillery.

Despite these concerns, Ukrainian officials remain optimistic about their ability to hold the line, even if the worst-case scenario comes to pass. New operational strategies, including precision strikes and the introduction of advanced drone technology like the Batyar drone, have improved Ukrainian military capabilities. According to Denys Yaroslavsky, a reconnaissance officer, Ukrainian brigades are better positioned to withstand future Russian offensives, regardless of the fluctuating aid situation.

Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding American support has left Ukraine’s defence industries on edge. For many, a rupture in military and technological collaboration with the West would be a psychological blow as much as a material one.

Sergiy Koshman, a leading figure in Ukraine’s military technology sector, warned that a loss of US partnership would not only harm Ukraine but could also backfire on the West. “If the worst happens, we will have to make our choices accordingly,” Koshman said, adding that such a scenario would be detrimental to all parties involved.

By Aghakazim Guliyev