As the Russia-Ukraine war escalates, the U.S. plans to provide Ukraine with intelligence on energy facilities deep inside Russia. Several American news outlets reported the development, noting it signals a major change in White House backing for Kyiv.
This move follows President Donald Trump’s statement that, “Ukraine could win back all the territory occupied by Russia.” Moreover, The Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported that the policy shift had quietly begun before Trump spoke. In addition, the White House hopes NATO allies will follow the U.S. lead.
However, it remains unclear when the intelligence will reach Ukraine. Some analysts suggest that the leak is intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiating a ceasefire, especially as Trump grows impatient with Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Tomahawk missiles still undecided
Meanwhile, the U.S. has not yet decided whether to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of 1,500 miles. Earlier this week, Vice President JD Vance said Trump is considering Kyiv’s request.
Why it matters
Importantly, U.S. intelligence, including satellite imagery, helps Ukraine target facilities deep inside Russia. Consequently, focusing on energy infrastructure could expand Ukraine’s already successful drone campaign, which has struck 21 out of 38 refineries.
These attacks have caused significant fuel shortages in parts of Russia. On some days, daily production reportedly dropped by one-fifth, according to The Guardian. Nevertheless, Russia appears unconcerned publicly.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “The US transmits intelligence to Ukraine regularly online. The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the US to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious.”
Furthermore, Peskov warned that delivering Tomahawk missiles would create “a new serious round of tension that will require an adequate response from the Russian side.” Still, he added, “There is no magic weapon for the Kyiv regime” that could win the war.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin said Russia seeks full restoration of relations with the U.S. He also blamed Europe for prolonging the war. Additionally, he warned of a “significant” response if Russian sovereignty is violated and criticized Europe’s “militarisation.”
Trump’s changing stance
Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly, Trump said Ukraine could win the war and called Russia a “Paper Tiger.”
“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” he wrote on TruthSocial.
However, Trump’s approach to intelligence sharing has been inconsistent. Over time, the U.S. and Russia have clashed repeatedly over weapons and intelligence for Kyiv.
For instance, last September, Putin warned that Russia might use nuclear weapons if Ukraine launched a massive attack. Then, in February, Trump publicly argued with Zelenskyy at the White House. Consequently, the U.S. paused intelligence sharing for a week in March. During that pause, Ukraine suffered rapid losses in Russia’s Kursk region. Eventually, Trump resumed support after pressure from Western allies.