The short version
- The United States has resumed providing intelligence on Russian missile strikes to Ukraine after a brief suspension that raised concerns in Kyiv.
- President Zelenskyy used diplomatic talks in Norway to address ongoing restrictions on satellite communications and the withholding of Patriot missile systems.
- Tensions remain high as U.S. peace proposals appear to align with Russian demands, prompting criticism from European allies regarding American neutrality.
The United States has resumed sharing critical intelligence with Ukraine regarding incoming Russian missile attacks, marking a de-escalation in a recent diplomatic standoff between Washington and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the restoration of these advance warnings on Tuesday following discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo. The intelligence sharing had appeared to be suspended by the White House earlier in the week, creating uncertainty about the level of American support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Zelenskyy described the return of ballistic missile alerts as a vital development for civilian safety, noting that such warnings allow populations to seek shelter before strikes occur. He expressed gratitude to the American side for reinstating this capability, emphasizing its importance for protecting both adults and children from aerial bombardment. The restoration comes after a period of heightened friction in bilateral relations, which observers have characterized as the most severe crisis since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly five years ago.
The diplomatic engagement in Norway included participation from Jared Kushner, who joined via video link, alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. European Union and British security officials were also present at the talks. Zelenskyy reported having a constructive phone conversation earlier with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggesting that channels of communication remain open despite recent political disagreements. However, the underlying tensions regarding military assistance and peace strategy have not been fully resolved.
A significant point of contention remains the restriction on Starshield, the military-grade satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s company. Zelenskyy raised concerns with Rubio about how these limitations have impaired Ukraine’s ability to conduct mid-range drone operations against Russian positions. The slowdown in connectivity has had tangible effects on battlefield capabilities, particularly for strikes that require real-time data transmission. This issue highlights the complex intersection of private technology infrastructure and state-level military strategy in modern conflict.
Negotiations also touched upon the supply of Patriot missile interceptors, which the Pentagon has blocked from reaching Ukraine despite funding from other nations. Zelenskyy proposed halting long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries—a key demand from President Donald Trump—in exchange for receiving these defensive systems. The refusal to deliver Patriots has left Ukrainian cities more vulnerable to air attacks, intensifying the debate over what constitutes adequate support for Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The current diplomatic strain follows a series of controversial moves by the Trump administration, including the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. This decision was framed as an effort to lower energy prices ahead of U.S. midterm elections but was criticized for appearing to favor Moscow. An associated energy ceasefire was implemented by Kyiv but ignored by Russia, leading to further accusations that American policy has effectively aligned with Russian interests. European allies have expressed dismay at this shift, questioning the honesty of U.S. negotiators in peace efforts.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas voiced skepticism about the role of American mediators, noting that Witkoff has met frequently with Vladimir Putin while visiting Kyiv only once. She argued that Ukraine has resisted surrendering to Russian terms largely due to sustained European support. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea of a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping to negotiate a settlement without Ukrainian participation. He insisted that any agreement concerning Ukraine’s future must include Kyiv at the negotiating table.
Despite the resumption of intelligence sharing, the human cost of the conflict continues to mount. At least nine people were killed in Ukraine on Tuesday, including passengers on a highway between Kyiv and Odesa. A Russian drone strike hit two vehicles, killing three and injuring four, among them a shuttle bus driver traveling to a military cemetery. These casualties underscore the persistent danger faced by civilians even as diplomatic channels attempt to stabilize relations between major powers.
U.S. officials have denied that there is a deliberate political directive to harm Ukraine, with Rubio attributing the lack of Patriot deliveries to global supply shortages and domestic defense needs. However, they have not provided convincing explanations for the temporary cutoff of satellite communications or intelligence sharing. As both sides navigate this delicate period, the focus remains on whether the restored cooperation signals a genuine thaw in relations or merely a tactical pause in a broader strategic realignment.
The situation illustrates the fragile nature of international alliances when domestic political pressures intersect with foreign policy objectives. While the immediate crisis over intelligence sharing has eased, fundamental disagreements about military aid, peace negotiations, and the role of external powers persist. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether this renewed cooperation can withstand the ongoing geopolitical pressures from both Moscow and Washington.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗US has resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine about Russian strikes, says Zelenskyy
