The United States has temporarily halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a significant breakdown in relations between Kyiv and Washington, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Wednesday.
The strained ties came after a public disagreement between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting in the Oval Office last week, which led to the suspension of vital US military aid.
Ratcliffe confirmed that the pause in intelligence sharing was part of a broader halt on military support, triggered by questions raised by Trump over Zelensky’s commitment to the peace process with Russia.
Despite the freeze, Ratcliffe assured that the halt was temporary, with plans for the United States to resume collaboration with Ukraine once relations stabilise.
Zelensky, seeking to mend fences, expressed regret over the spat, stating on social media that he hoped to “make things right” with Trump.
In a bid to smooth over tensions, Zelensky sent a letter to US lawmakers, reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate with Russia and emphasising that Ukraine sought peace.
In his speech to Congress, Trump shared a portion of the letter, quoting Zelensky’s message that Ukraine was “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”
