The United States has resumed intelligence sharing with Ukraine to provide advance warnings of Russian missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday. This move, following discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Norway, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and protect civilians amid ongoing conflicts.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these early warnings, noting that they are crucial for ensuring the safety of children, adults, and other civilians in Ukraine. He expressed his gratitude to the United States, highlighting that the shared intelligence could save lives as Russian attacks persist.
This development comes against the backdrop of tense relations between Washington and Kyiv regarding the future of US military support and efforts to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. While US President Donald Trump has advocated for a peace agreement, Zelenskyy has maintained that any resolution must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve Ukrainian participation in the negotiations.
Steve Witkoff, the US envoy, is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin following his discussions with Zelenskyy. These diplomatic efforts are part of broader attempts to find potential pathways towards negotiations, despite significant disagreements over the terms of a possible settlement.
During the talks, Zelenskyy also expressed concerns about restrictions on Ukraine’s military communications and the availability of Patriot air defense systems. He indicated that Ukraine might consider halting long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries if the United States provides additional Patriot missiles to enhance its air defense capabilities.
Zelenskyy firmly rejected any proposals for negotiations regarding Ukraine’s future that do not include Ukrainian participation, insisting that Kyiv must have a seat at the table in discussions about its territory and security.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to take a toll on Ukraine, with at least nine people killed on Tuesday, including three fatalities from a Russian drone strike on vehicles along the Kyiv-Odesa highway. The resumption of intelligence sharing is expected to strengthen Ukraine’s preparedness against missile strikes, though uncertainty remains about the scale of future American military assistance and the prospects for a negotiated end to the conflict.