France Provides Military Intelligence to Ukraine as US Steps Back

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed on Thursday that France is sharing military intelligence with Ukraine, following the U.S.'s decision to halt intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. This move coincides with a summit in Brussels, where EU leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussed increasing defense spending and reinforcing support for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia’s invasion.

Ahead of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over shifts in U.S. support under President Donald Trump, stating that Europe’s future should not be dictated by Washington or Moscow. "The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow," he said.

Earlier this week, Trump ordered a suspension of military aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House. CIA Director John Ratcliffe also confirmed that the U.S. had paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, but suggested this could change. Ratcliffe stated that the pause would likely end as the U.S. continues its partnership with Ukraine to counter Russian aggression and support peace talks.

Since the war began in 2022, the U.S. has played a key role in providing Ukraine with critical intelligence to target Russian forces. However, Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, indicated that the U.S. is reviewing its intelligence relationship with Ukraine and accelerating peace talks with Russia. "We’re moving quickly to start negotiations," Waltz said, adding that the U.S. would work with Ukrainian officials to facilitate shuttle diplomacy with Russia.

Despite these efforts, reaching a peace agreement remains challenging. Ukraine demands the restoration of its pre-2014 borders, including the return of Crimea, which Russia annexed. Russia controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, and has stated it will not return any land to Kyiv.