U.S. Pauses Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine, Raising Concerns

U.S. Pauses Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine, Raising Concerns

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has stated that the U.S. has paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine in an attempt to gain their attention. This move has sparked concerns, as the intelligence has been crucial in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

Kellogg claims that the Ukrainians "brought it on themselves" by not being sufficiently grateful for U.S. military aid. This statement was met with disapproval from the audience.

The pause in intelligence sharing follows a contentious meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly berated Zelenskyy for not expressing enough gratitude for U.S. aid.

The Trump administration has indicated that intelligence sharing could resume, but it is unclear when this will happen. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to sign a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, which could pave the way for the resumption of intelligence sharing.

Meanwhile, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, next week. Witkoff previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has indicated that the Istanbul protocol could serve as a basis for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. However, the right-leaning Institute for the Study of War has criticized the Istanbul protocol, arguing that it would require Ukraine to surrender its sovereignty and would prevent it from maintaining an adequate military force.

Kellogg has denied that the Istanbul protocol is the Trump administration's policy, stating that they have not yet formulated a policy. He estimates that Ukraine has enough military aid to continue fighting through the summer.

The Trump administration is also seeking a "reset" of U.S. relations with Russia. Kellogg acknowledges that existing sanctions against Russia need to be enforced more aggressively to be effective. He believes that the most important factor is the enforcement of sanctions, not the sanctions themselves.