The short version
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the resumption of US intelligence sharing regarding Russian missile strikes after a meeting in Norway.
- The restoration follows a period where advance warnings were seemingly suspended, coinciding with restrictions on Starshield military-grade satellite services.
- Diplomatic tensions remain high as President Trump criticizes Zelenskyy's leadership while Ukraine seeks Patriot interceptors and opposes exclusion from peace negotiations.
The United States has resumed sharing critical intelligence with Ukraine regarding Russian missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday. This development marks a significant shift after reports indicated that advance warnings of ballistic missile attacks had been suspended by the White House earlier in the week. Zelenskyy described the restoration of these capabilities as vital for saving lives, noting that both civilians and military personnel can once again receive timely alerts about incoming threats.
The confirmation came following a meeting between Zelenskyy and US envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo, Norway. The talks also included participation from Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, via video link, alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and security officials from the European Union and Britain. Zelenskyy characterized the discussions as positive and highlighted a subsequent constructive phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The resumption of intelligence sharing occurs against the backdrop of what has been described as the most severe crisis in US-Ukraine relations since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion nearly five years ago. The diplomatic friction intensified ten days prior when President Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel, aiming to lower fuel prices ahead of upcoming midterm elections. This move was followed by an energy ceasefire proposal that Kyiv implemented for several days, but which Russia reportedly ignored.
Despite the renewed intelligence cooperation, significant operational challenges remain for Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy raised concerns with Rubio regarding recent restrictions imposed on Starshield, the military-grade version of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service. These limitations have reportedly hindered Ukraine’s capacity to conduct mid-range drone strikes against Russian battlefield positions. The disruption of these communications tools has compounded the difficulties faced by Ukrainian commanders in maintaining offensive capabilities.
In an effort to stabilize the situation, Zelenskyy proposed halting long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries—a key demand from the Trump administration—in exchange for the delivery of Patriot missile interceptors. However, the Pentagon has blocked the transfer of these systems to Kyiv, even when funded by other nations. This decision has left Ukraine increasingly vulnerable to air attacks, exacerbating the strain on its defensive infrastructure.
President Trump has continued to voice strong criticism of Zelenskyy, accusing him of failing to end the war and suggesting that Ukraine requires new leadership. These remarks have contributed to a perception that the US administration is positioning itself closer to Moscow’s interests, causing dismay among Kyiv’s allies. The tension underscores a complex geopolitical dynamic where military support is increasingly tied to political concessions and domestic US considerations.
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea of a trilateral summit involving Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping to negotiate a deal on Ukraine without Ukrainian participation. He emphasized that any agreement concerning Ukraine’s future must include Kyiv at the negotiating table. As the conflict enters its fifth year, the balance between diplomatic pressure, military aid, and intelligence sharing remains precarious, with unresolved questions about the long-term sustainability of US support under the current administration.
The immediate impact of restored intelligence sharing is expected to improve civilian safety by providing earlier warnings for missile strikes. However, the broader strategic outlook remains uncertain. With Starshield restrictions limiting offensive drone operations and Patriot systems withheld, Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace and counter Russian advances is constrained. The coming weeks will likely test the durability of this renewed cooperation amid ongoing political disagreements.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗US has resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine about Russian strikes, says Zelenskyy
- CNBC↗Trump says White House didn't order Starlink restrictions in Ukraine
- NBC News↗Ukraine says new Starlink restrictions disrupt military as it reels from intel gaps and Trump clash
