The United States has cut off intelligence-sharing with Kyiv in a move that could seriously hamper the Ukrainian military's ability to target Russian forces, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.
The decision to cut off intelligence-sharing and military aid to Ukraine starkly illustrates the Trump administration's willingness to play hardball with an ally to force it to the negotiating table.
The issue was brought up during Prime Ministers Questions with MPs asking Sir Keir Starmer about reports that the US has barred the UK from sharing intelligence with Ukraine, adding if Donald Trump can still be seen as a “reliable ally”.
The PM said: “I’ve always been clear that we need to ensure that the US, the UK, Europe and Ukraine are working together, but we must not choose between the US and Europe, we never have historically, and we’re not going to do so now.”
It comes as the Ukrainian president bowed to intense pressure from President Trump after the US suspended all military aid to Kyiv.
Mr Zelensky called the pair’s explosive White House meeting “regrettable” and pledged to enter peace talks as he desperately tried to salvage the perilous situation facing his armed forces.
Sources have told The Independent that Ukraine’s supplies of US Patriot missiles could leave it unable to defend itself in a matter of days.
Key Points
- US cuts off intelligence sharing with Ukraine
- Starmer says Trump is 'reliable ally' during PMQs
- Trump again refuses to condemn Russia during Congress address
- UK defence secretary to meet US counterpart to discuss Ukraine
- Zelensky calls Oval Office spat with Trump 'regrettable'
No 10 refuses to comment on report US halts intelligence sharing with Ukraine
14:21
,
Jabed Ahmed
The prime minister has declined to comment on the US pausing intelligence to Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson said Britain's aim was to ensure Kyiv is left in the strongest possible position.
"It remains a long standing position not to comment on intelligence, but what I would say is we have been clear previously that we would do everything to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position, particularly around defence and security," the spokesperson said.
Spy chief optimistic suspension will soon be ended
14:14
,
Jane Dalton
The head of the CIA has expressed hope that the suspension in intelligence-sharing with Kyiv will soon be lifted.
CIA director John Ratcliffe emphasised his commitment to working with Ukraine towards achieving peace, following a letter from the Ukrainian president to Trump, CNN reports.
“And I think we’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward,” he added.
Kyiv legally barred from talks with Putin, says Russia
14:05
,
Jane Dalton
A Ukrainian decree from 2022 ruling out negotiations with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin raises the question of who could sit at the table in potential peace talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "is still legally prohibited from negotiating with the Russian side," Mr Peskov noted.
He said it was "positive" that Zelenskyy expressed readiness on Tuesday to negotiate peace with Russia as soon as possible. "But the details have not changed yet," Mr Peskov added, apparently referring to the Ukrainian decree.
Neither Ukrainian nor Western officials have recently mentioned the September 2022 presidential decree, signed seven months after Russia's cross-border invasion, in the context of Donald Trump's efforts to stop the fighting.
Almost half of Britons want Trump state visit cancelled, poll shows
13:59
,
Jane Dalton
Head of CIA confirms US has put intelligence-sharing on hold
13:52
,
Jane Dalton
The head of the CIA has confirmed that the US has suspended intelligence support and weapons shipments to Ukraine.
Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News: “Trump had a real question about whether President Zelensky was committed to the peace process, and he said let’s pause.
“I want to give a chance to think about that and you saw the response that President Zelensky put out,” Mr Ratcliffe said. “So I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away.”
Russian warship tracked through UK waters by Royal Navy vessel
13:44
,
Jane Dalton
Watch: Keir Starmer has subtle dig at JD Vance
13:39
,
Jane Dalton
The prime minister made a point to JD Vance by paying tribute to the hundreds of British soldiers who died in Afghanistan and Iraq, after the US vice-president suggested Britain had not fought a war in more than 30 years.
Archbishop of York calls for prayer and solidarity with Ukraine
13:34
,
Jabed Ahmed
The Archbishop of York has assured the people and churches of Ukraine of the prayers and solidarity of the Church of England this Lent.
Calling for a just and lasting peace that protects the sovereignty, security and freedom of Ukraine and its people, the Archbishop affirmed the role of Ukraine’s churches in striving for peace.
The Archbishop also called for prayer for the Church of England Diocese in Europe, which includes Ukraine and Russia.
British ex-soldier jailed for 19 years in Russia for fighting for Ukraine
13:34
,
Jane Dalton
Irish leader promises to tell Trump Ukraine must have peace
13:28
,
Jane Dalton
Irish premier Micheal Martin has committed to raising Ireland's views on Ukraine and Gaza when he meets US president Donald Trump next week.
The taoiseach is due to have a bilateral meeting with Mr Trump next week as part of an annual tradition to mark the week of Ireland's national holiday, St Patrick's Day.
Mr Martin said Ireland would express a desire for a "durable and sustainable" peace in Ukraine, as well as a consolidation of the ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
He said: "In terms of the core issues, the economic relationship is very important. We're an open, small economy, pro-free trade and I'll be articulating that perspective.
"We will also articulate views in relation to Ukraine and in relation to the Middle East also."
UK will do everything to back Kyiv on security, No 10 pledges
13:22
,
Jane Dalton
Downing Street says Britain will do all it can to back Ukraine on security.
Asked about reports that the US has cut off intelligence to Ukraine and whether Britain would be allowed to pass on American intelligence to Kyiv, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "It does remain a long-standing position not to comment on intelligence, but what I would say is that we have been clear previously that we will do everything to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position across all aspects of our support, particularly around defence and security, and that position hasn't changed."
Scholz and Zelensky agree Trump is key in peace talks, says spokesperson
12:47
,
Jabed Ahmed
Germany's outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz, affirmed during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that US president Donald Trump had a key role in negotiations with Russia, according to a German government spokesperson.
"The chancellor welcomed the Ukrainian president's willingness to enter into negotiations at the earliest possible date", the spokesperson said.
"Both agreed on the importance of the U.S. president's leadership role, also with a view to achieving a swift start to a ceasefire and lasting peace for Ukraine", it added.
Scholz also reiterated Germany's continued and unwavering solidarity with Ukraine during the call, added the spokesperson.
Trump may lift hold on Ukraine aid pending confidence-building measures, White House says
12:45
,
Jabed Ahmed
US president Donald Trump will consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks are arranged and confidence-building measures are taken, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on Wednesday.
"I think if we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations, and in fact, put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the president will take a hard look at lifting this pause," Mr Waltz said in an interview with Fox News.
Watch | Starmer: We must not choose between the US and Europe
12:44
,
Jabed Ahmed
Trump is a 'reliable ally', Starmer says
12:37
,
Jabed Ahmed
A United States led by President Donald Trump is a “reliable ally”, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told the Commons: “On Monday, the Prime Minister rightly said a minerals deal only was not a sufficient security guarantee for Ukraine.
“But since then, the Trump administration has said that a minerals deal is the only guarantee on the table and President Trump has removed military aid from Ukraine and said that the British cannot share American intelligence with Kyiv. Both those decisions mean more brave Ukrainians will die and further embolden Vladimir Putin.
“So, can the Prime Minister tell the House, does he still believe that President Trump is a reliable ally, and if Ukraine does not get a sufficient security guarantee from this White House, what is the Prime Minister’s plan B?”
Sir Keir replied: “We work very closely with the United States on defence, on security and on intelligence. We have done for many, many years, we are intertwined, and of course they are a reliable ally. We are operating on basis day-in, day-out across the world, as he knows.”
The Prime Minister added: “Our main focus, our only focus, is on a lasting peace in Ukraine. There are many moving parts, there are many discussions to be had, but what I’m doing is staying focused on what I think is the single most important outcome, which is a lasting peace in Ukraine which is good for Ukraine, for Europe, and of course essential for the United Kingdom.”
Starmer: UK will never choose between US and Europer
12:34
,
Jabed Ahmed
The UK must never choose between the US and Europe, the Prime Minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK, US, Europe and Ukraine needed to work together over the conflict against Russia.
He was asked by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch: “I know the Prime Minister is not able to comment on specific intelligence matters, and I’m certainly not asking him to do that.
“But there are concerning reports that the United States has instructed Britain to suspend intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and other reports that Five Eyes itself may be at risk.
“We need to make sure that America does not disengage. There are some in this house who argue Europe should go it alone. But does he agree with me that without this country’s greatest ally, any peace agreement would place a terrible burden on Britain and our taxpayers?”
Sir Keir replied: “I agree with her wholeheartedly and that’s why in the debate we had just two days ago I’ve always been clear that we need to ensure that the US, the UK, Europe and Ukraine are working together, but we must not choose between the US and Europe, we never have historically, and we’re not going to do so now.”
Watch |
12:32
,
Jabed Ahmed
PMQs Analysis | Starmer is making the nuclear deterrent a political issue
12:31
,
David Maddox
For the second time this week Sir Keir Starmer has taken aim at the SNP for wanting to scrap Britain's nuclear deterrent.
This is a long running issue with the submarines based at Faslane in the west of Scotland.
But as the world becomes much more uncertain again with growing worries about Putin’s Russia then the nuclear weapons are being put front and centre by the PM.
Of course, this is a dramatic change from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn who has always opposed Britain having nuclear weapons and has been a leading member of CND.
The issue has always divided Labour and the left generally but Starmer is clearly making it a major issue.
US cuts off intelligence sharing with Ukraine
12:23
,
Sam Rkaina
The United States has cut off intelligence-sharing with Kyiv in a move that could seriously hamper the Ukrainian military's ability to target Russian forces, the Financial Times has reported.
It comes after Donald Trump decided to cut off military aid for the wartorn country.
Reports of the US ending intelligence sharing have been raised in prime minister’s questions, with MPs repeatedly asking Keir Starmer if Washington is still a reliable ally.
PMQs| Starmer: Biggest risk of war is if Putin thinks he can break Ukraine peace deal
12:19
,
Jabed Ahmed
Asked to ensure the UK will not be “drawn into war” with Russia, Sir Keir Starmer said “the surest risk” of conflict is “if Putin thinks that he can breach” a peace deal in Ukraine.
Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch said: “All of us in this House know that the British armed forces are a huge source of pride to our country. They put themselves in harm’s way to defend our values.
“As the Opposition, we support efforts to resolve this conflict, but we cannot write a blank cheque. If British peacekeeping troops in Ukraine were attacked, whether directly or via proxies, we could be drawn into conflict with Russia. Can the Prime Minister reassure all those who are concerned about the UK being drawn into war?”
The Prime Minister replied: “Yes, that’s the last thing anybody wants to see and the whole point of ensuring that there’s a lasting peace and that any deal, if there’s a deal, is defended, is to avoid conflict, to ensure that we do have peace.
“The way to ensure we have peace is to ensure there are guarantees for any deal that is in place, because the surest risk, that will be conflict is if Putin thinks that he can breach any deal that may be arrived at.”
PMQs | Badenoch warns against ‘blank cheque’ for Ukraine peace force
12:11
,
Archie Mitchell
Kemi Badenoch has struck a bipartisan tone so far, using her questions so far to support the prime minister’s plans to uphold peace in Ukraine after a deal to end the war.
But the Tory leader said that while she supports efforts to resolve the conflict, “we cannot write a blank cheque”.
She also warned that if British peacekeeping troops were attacked in Ukraine, Britain could be drawn into conflict with Russia - asking the PM for reassurances this will not happen.
“That is the last thing anybody wants,” Sir Keir Starmer said. “The whole point of ensuring that there is a lasting peace, and that any deal, if there is a deal, is defended to avoid conflict, to ensure that we do have peace.
“The way to ensure we have peace is to ensure there are guarantees for any deal that is in place.”
PMQs | Starmer says he is contact with key players
12:10
,
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer has said he is in contact with key partners to ensure “lasting peace in Ukraine.
"We need to do everything we can to ensure the US, Europe and Ukraine are working together on lasting peace," the prime minister said..
Sir Kier added he is in "regular contact with all the key players" - including talking with president Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday.
Analysis: Starmer’s swipe at JD Vance
12:05
,
David Maddox, Political Editor
Keir Starmer opens PMQs remembering the young soldiers who died in recent wars with the anniversary of their deaths today and tomorrow.
The deaths in wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere serving with Americans is a definite swipe at the insult against British troops by JD Vance yesterday although the vice president was not mentioned by name.
It also makes the Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who supported Vance in his comments, look rather foolish.
“I am sure the whole House will remember their sacrifice,” Starmer concluded.
PMQs | Badenoch: Divisions between Ukraine and US only serves Putin
12:05
,
Jabed Ahmed
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said the division between Ukraine and the US only serves Putin.
She asked the prime minister what is he doing to improve the relationship
Watch live: Starmer grilled in parliament in first PMQs since Trump and Zelensky’s chaotic meeting
11:57
,
Jabed Ahmed
Macron considering visit to Washington with Zelensky and Starmer
11:24
,
Jabed Ahmed
French President Emmanuel Macron is considering traveling again to Washington along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Sir Keir Starmer to meet US President Donald Trump, a French government spokesperson said.
On Sunday, Sir Keir hosted European leaders at a security summit aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Sir Keir and Mr Macron have previously said they will present a peace plan to US president Trump.
Although the details of the meeting are yet to be confirmed, it seems likely this four-way discussion will explore the potential peace deal put on the table by the UK and France.
Watch | Ukrainian F-16 pilot thanks US for their support in first Fighting Falcon cockpit footage
11:13
,
Jabed Ahmed
Starmer made public ‘proud to be British’ in Ukraine talks, poll shows
10:56
,
Archie Mitchell, Political Correspondent
Sir Keir Starmer’s backing for Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky’s White House clash with Donald Trump made the public feel “proud to be British”, a new poll has shown.
The prime minister standing up for Ukraine on the world stage won him the support of 46 per cent of the public, who said it made them feel proud - while just 12 per cent said it did not.
The survey, conducted by Survation for 38 Degrees, also revealed a majority of Britons think the US president does not deserve a second state visit to the UK and would not welcome him to the UK.
38 Degrees chief Matthew McGregor said: “Since the Russian invasion three years ago, the British people have consistently shown an outpouring of support for the people of Ukraine. They have been clear that the UK must stand up for Ukraine, and that voters will back the PM if he does.
“But standing up for Ukraine means unequivocally standing up to Donald Trump right now. With the majority of Brits feeling he is undeserving of a second state visit… Keir Starmer should think long and hard about whether this state visit really should go ahead.”
What weapons have the US sent to Ukraine?
10:39
,
Tom Watling
US military support for Ukraine is vital not only because of its sheer volume but also because Washington has acted as a diplomatic umbrella for European countries to send weapons of their own.
When Ukraine’s allies debated whether it would be too provocative to send tanks to Ukraine, for example, it was the US finally agreeing to send some of their Abrams battle tanks, despite the logistical problems involved in training troops in how to use them, that opened the door for Germany to send their much more readily available Leopard tanks.
The most significant pieces of equipment include:
- Three Patriot air defence batteries and munitions. These state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar systems have been vital to protecting Ukraine’s skies against Russian missile attacks
- Several hundred long-range army tactical missile systems (ATACMS). Ukraine has used these missiles, which have a range in the hundreds of miles, to strike targets deep inside Russia. They brought into range the Russian fighter jets firing devastating glide bombs, nicknamed “building destroyers”, from afar
- More than 40 high-mobility artillery rocket systems (Himars) and ammunition. These systems have proved vital in fighting on the front line
- 31 Abrams tanks and 45 T-72B tanks
- Millions of rounds of artillery, ammunition and grenades
- Hundreds of thousands of anti-tank and anti-armour systems were pivotal at the start of the war in allowing Ukrainians to repel Russia’s multi-prolonged attack on short notice
- Hundreds of armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, plus thousands of additional vehicles
- 20 Mi-17 helicopters
- More than 100 coastal and riverine patrol boats and anti-ship missiles
Latest pictures from the frontline
10:22
,
Jabed Ahmed
How much military aid do countries give to Ukraine?
10:09
,
Jabed Ahmed
Almost half of the £103bn in military support sent to Ukraine by its allies has come from the US, according to estimates by the Kiel Institute. That figure is a little over £51bn.
The second and third largest military supporters are Germany and the UK, who have sent £10bn and £8bn respectively.
If you calculate total military spending as a percentage of each country’s GDP, however, the US is much lower down the list of Ukraine’s backers. Its total support amounts to 0.296 per cent of its GDP, making it the 17th most significant military backer proportionate to GDP.
Denmark is Ukraine’s most significant military supporter measured against its GDP. It has sent around 2.038 per cent. The next four, in order, are Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Finland. These four countries all share a border with mainland Russia or its exclave Kaliningrad.
But if Ukraine lost the material heft of US support, it could prove devastating. This is why Mr Zelensky has been adamant that US security guarantees as part of a peace deal are the only means of preventing future Russian aggression. Europe’s support alone, he maintains, would not be sufficient.
Total US support, including financial and humanitarian aid, is in the range of £95bn, according to Kiel. The US Department of Defence, however, suggests the figure is as high as £145bn, which it says are funds “appropriated” for Ukraine. That covers US military training in Europe and replenishment of US defence stocks.
Compared with the rest of the world, the US share of total support for Ukraine is lower. The majority of support comes from Europe, with 49.5 per cent, while the US has supplied 42.7 per cent. This leaves 7.8 per cent from other countries.
There is no evidence to substantiate Mr Trump’s claims that the US has sent $350bn to Ukraine, nor has he attempted to prove it.
Explained | What are Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, where are they and what will the deal with Trump involve?
09:56
,
Jabed Ahmed
Kremlin says Zelensky's letter to Trump on willingness to negotiate is positive
09:34
,
Jabed Ahmed
Russia has taken a postive view of Volodymyr Zelensky’s letter to Donald Trump, with the Kremlin suggesting it shows a willingness from Kyiv to negotiate the war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, however, that it was not clear how this would work because Ukraine had a legal ban on negotiating with Russia.
He was referring to a decree by Mr Zelensky in 2022 that ruled out negotiations with President Vladimir Putin.
“The question is who to sit down with. For now, the Ukrainian president is still legally prohibited from negotiating with the Russian side,” Mr Peskov said. ”So, overall, the approach is positive, but the nuances have not changed yet."
For context, Mr Zelensky made the statement in a letter to Mr Trump, which the president made public during his address to congress last night.
Comment | Ukraine will run out of US air defence support in days – and Putin knows it
09:31
,
Jabed Ahmed
Former Russian president says Russia must inflict 'maximum defeat' on Ukraine
09:20
,
Jabed Ahmed
Russia's main task remains to inflict "maximum defeat" on Ukraine, former president Dmitry Medvedev has said.
Mr Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said: "Russia is advancing. The enemy is resisting and has not yet been defeated.
He added he expects the United States to resume military aid to Ukraine, which it suspended on Monday, once Volodymyr Zelensky signed a minerals agreement with Washington.
For context, since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mr Medvedev has adopted an increasing anti-western rhetoric and has repeatedly threatened the use of nuclear weapons in a break with his previous image as a moderate compared to Mr Putin. Analysts have suggested he does not hold much power within the Kremlin.
Comment | Poor Zelensky had to grovel to Trump – but sometimes, standing up to him can pay off
09:09
,
Jabed Ahmed
Latest from the frontlines
08:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
Ukraine's air force says it shot down 115 drones out of 181 launched by Russia overnight
The Ukrainian military said Russia used 181 drones and four missiles in an overnight attack on the country.
The air force shot down 115 drones and another 55 did not reach their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures, according to a military statement.
Russian forces attack energy facility in Ukraine's Odesa region, energy firm says
Russian forces attacked an energy facility in Ukraine's southern region of Odesa on Tuesday evening, energy firm DTEK said.
It was the fourth attack on the region's energy infrastructure in two weeks, DTEK added in a statement.
08:48
,
Jabed Ahmed
In Focus | On Tuesday, the European Commission proposed borrowing up to 150 billion euros ($157.76 billion) to lend to European Union governments under a rearmament plan driven by Russia's war in Ukraine and fears Europe can no longer be sure of U.S. protection. In an interview later on Tuesday, Lipavsky welcomed the package, which he said would be a good basis for a summit of EU leaders on Thursday discussing Ukraine and security.
08:36
,
Jabed Ahmed
The American president and his VP, JD Vance, are doing all the hard work for Russia – even scuppering their own minerals deal in the process. As Europe and Nato face a shift in global alliances, the real test for the ‘coalition of the least unwilling’ will be when the time to act comes, says Keir Giles
Europe needs to engage US to bring it closer to Ukraine, Czech minister says
08:26
,
Jabed Ahmed
Europe must engage the United States in security debates and help find a way to bring it closer to Ukraine after the halt of US military aid to Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister has said.
Europe also needs to focus on being ready to replace U.S. support for Ukraine and on European security with its own resources, Jan Lipavsky said.
The Czech government has already started discussing plans to lift defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product in the coming years, from around 2% in 2024.
It has also led an ammunition drive since last year for Ukraine that sources supplies from around the world to aid Kyiv's fight against a Russian invasion. Lipavsky said the initiative had secured deliveries for the coming months and was seeking to secure more funding from donor countries.
On Tuesday, the European Commission proposed borrowing up to 150 billion euros to lend to European Union governments under a rearmament plan driven by Russia's war in Ukraine and fears Europe can no longer be sure of U.S. protection.
In an interview later on Tuesday, Lipavsky welcomed the package, which he said would be a good basis for a summit of EU leaders on Thursday discussing Ukraine and security.
Justice secretary refuses to speculate on US arms suspension and Ukraine deal
08:16
,
Jabed Ahmed
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said she would not get into the detail of what might happen next when asked if the US should end the suspension of arms to Ukraine if and when the minerals deal is signed.
Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Mahmood said: “I’m not going to get into the detail of, you know, what might happen next. I think that we’ve got some positive developments.
“The Prime Minister, the whole Government is playing its part as an honest broker between all sides here, we all want to see an end to the fighting, everything that gets us closer to achieving that goal we are obviously working towards ourselves, and we would welcome and, of course, what’s been said overnight, I think, pushes us closer.
“But, of course, you know there’s a long way to go yet and the Prime Minister will keep doing exactly what he’s been doing over the last few days.”
Asked if she accepts US Vice President JD Vance’s clarification that he was not talking about the UK or France when he referred to a “random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years”, Ms Mahmood said: “I take what he says at face value, that he’s offered a clarification. Of course I accept that.”