Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is urgently trying to reopen negotiations with the White House after the U.S. suspended intelligence-sharing, leaving Ukraine’s most advanced missile systems inoperable.
The unexpected cutoff occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on Wednesday, significantly hampering Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and launch counterattacks against Russian forces.
In the wake of the suspension, Kyiv agreed to resume diplomatic discussions, with Zelensky announcing that a new summit with U.S. officials could take place as soon as next week.
This development followed his meeting with European leaders on Thursday, during which he highlighted “positive movement” in talks with Washington despite the disruption in critical surveillance data.
The suspension of intelligence-sharing for long-range weapons like the Himars missile systems, which are essential for halting Russian advances, was a direct result of U.S. orders. American officials indicated that intelligence-sharing would only resume if Ukraine committed to renewed negotiations, particularly regarding a stalled minerals deal from last Friday’s tense Oval Office meeting between Zelensky and former President Donald Trump. Diplomatic sources suggest Zelensky may need to offer further concessions to restore relations.
Potential Concessions and European Mediation
To help reopen talks, Zelensky has expressed willingness to discuss a temporary truce, including halting naval hostilities in the Black Sea and freezing long-range strikes—proposals previously raised by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron has emphasized that decisions about Ukraine’s future should not be made solely by Washington and Moscow, advocating for more European involvement. France will host military leaders next week to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine.
The suspension of intelligence-sharing has left Ukraine vulnerable, with the U.S. instructing allies like Britain not to pass along American intelligence. British Defence Secretary John Healey was set to meet his U.S. counterpart on Thursday to address the situation.
Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines voiced frustration, with some claiming that the initiative on the battlefield had been lost. “This decision is costing lives,” said Artem, a 30-year-old Ukrainian soldier. Another soldier, Slava, 27, called the move a dangerous “gamble” with Ukraine’s fate.
Strained U.S.-Ukraine Relations and Trump’s Negotiation Tactics
European allies are working behind the scenes to repair the fractured relationship between Zelensky and Trump, which soured after their heated Oval Office exchange. CIA Director John Ratcliffe noted that Trump questioned Zelensky’s commitment to peace and proposed suspending intelligence-sharing to push Ukraine toward negotiations.
Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, confirmed that discussions with Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s chief of staff, are ongoing to set a date and location for peace talks. Waltz suggested that if Ukraine demonstrated serious intent to negotiate, Trump might reconsider the suspension of intelligence-sharing.
Trump’s approach aligns with a peace plan proposed last year by his Kyiv envoy, which suggested withholding military support unless Ukraine agreed to negotiations, while simultaneously increasing military aid if Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to engage.
Zelensky has not rejected negotiations but is seeking assurances from Washington that Ukraine will receive long-term protection if a ceasefire collapses. A Ukrainian defense official described the U.S. move as an attempt to “blackmail” Kyiv by weakening its defensive capabilities. European leaders have warned Zelensky that weapons and intelligence aid may remain restricted unless he agrees to additional concessions.
European Efforts to Salvage Relations with Trump
European governments have outlined a strategy to repair Ukraine’s relationship with Trump. Advisers have encouraged Zelensky to show a genuine willingness to negotiate peace, recognizing that agreeing to the minerals deal alone is no longer enough.
A European diplomat explained, “Kyiv must now offer more than just a willingness to sign the minerals deal. The White House seeks a broader discussion on peace terms.” Waltz praised Britain for helping Ukraine understand the need for a future settlement, underscoring European efforts.
France and Britain, led by Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, are spearheading a European initiative to secure Ukraine’s future. A potential joint visit to Washington with Zelensky was discussed, though Macron’s office later clarified that no concrete plans had been finalized.
A key component of Europe’s strategy involves transforming Ukraine into a “steel porcupine”—an armed nation so heavily fortified that any future invasion would be impossible.
A senior EU official described this approach as the first pillar of Ukraine’s long-term security, ensuring that any future Russian aggression would meet insurmountable resistance.
While European leaders continue to stress military support for Ukraine, discussions of potential troop deployments remain premature due to the absence of a ceasefire or peace agreement. European Council President Antonio Costa is expected to brief non-EU allies, including Starmer, on the latest summit developments.
The official emphasized the priority of close coordination with the U.K., highlighting the importance of European cooperation in securing Ukraine’s future.
The coming weeks will determine whether diplomatic efforts can restore U.S.-Ukraine relations and ensure continued support in Kyiv’s struggle against Russian aggression.
