The United States has resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine regarding Russian missile strikes, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This development follows discussions between Zelenskyy and US envoy Steve Witkoff in Norway. The renewed intelligence cooperation is intended to provide Kyiv with advance warnings of ballistic missile attacks, enhancing civilian protection amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the US support, emphasizing the importance of early warnings in safeguarding the lives of children, adults, and other civilians. He highlighted the potential for this intelligence to save lives as Russian attacks continue across Ukraine.
The announcement comes at a time of strained relations between Washington and Kyiv, primarily concerning the future of US military assistance and the broader efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy has insisted that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve Ukrainian participation in negotiations, countering pressure from US President Donald Trump to reach a settlement.
In addition to the intelligence-sharing agreement, Zelenskyy raised concerns about the limitations on Ukraine’s military communications and the need for more Patriot air defense interceptors. He indicated that Ukraine might consider ceasing long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries if the US provides additional Patriot missiles to bolster its air defenses.
Meanwhile, Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his talks with Zelenskyy. These diplomatic efforts aim to explore potential paths toward negotiations, though significant disagreements persist regarding the terms of any potential settlement.
On the ground in Ukraine, Russian attacks continued, with at least nine people reported killed on Tuesday. This included three fatalities from a Russian drone strike on vehicles traveling along the Kyiv-Odesa highway, which also left four people injured.
The resumption of intelligence sharing is expected to enhance Ukraine’s readiness for incoming missile strikes, though uncertainties remain about the extent of future American military support and the prospects for a negotiated end to the conflict.