US Intelligence Halt Impacts Ukraine, Zelensky Pushes for Peace

International News Update

Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear power company, and Orano, a French leader in the nuclear industry, have signed an agreement to provide nuclear fuel enrichment services until 2040. The enrichment will be carried out outside Ukraine, and the fuel will be used to power nuclear power plants within the country.

The halt in US intelligence sharing with Ukraine is already affecting the frontline situation. Ukrainian forces are reportedly unable to use some of their best weapons systems due to the cut-off in military aid. A Ukrainian government source told the media that operations in the Kursk region have been hit the hardest. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have lost the ability to detect Russian aircraft approaching Ukraine's borders.

President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will continue to work for peace. He will visit Saudi Arabia and has met with US teams there to further prepare for peace talks.

Several countries have pledged continued support for Ukraine. Poland is preparing new military assistance packages and will continue contributions to the "Czech initiative." Germany will accelerate the delivery of IRIS-T and BC air defense systems. The Netherlands is ready to continue investing in weapons production in Ukraine. The European Union is working with Ukraine at the institutional level to compensate for supply deficits. The Nordic and Baltic countries fully support Ukraine and are preparing new assistance and investment packages.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has announced that he will introduce a bill on new sanctions against the Russian Federation next week. He stated that if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire and peace talks, they will face "hellish sanctions."

British intelligence agencies have significantly reduced information sharing with the CIA following Trump's election victory. Some Western agents in Russia and Ukraine have reportedly been removed as a precautionary measure.

Trump and Tulsi Gabbard's stance on the Five Eyes intelligence alliance is worrying. Gabbard's appointment has reportedly alarmed US intelligence agencies and allies. The WSJ suggests that Trump may disband the Five Eyes, viewing it as a tool for allies to influence American intelligence. British officials have proposed creating a Four Eyes alliance, excluding the US, but the feasibility of this is unclear, since the US provides 80-90% of intelligence.

The US is preparing a plan to stop and inspect Iranian sea-going oil tankers as part of an international agreement aimed at countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has won the race for leadership of Canada's ruling Liberal Party. He is set to succeed Justin Trudeau as prime minister.