US bans UK from sharing intelligence with Ukraine as military aid freeze takes effect

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

The United States has barred Britain from sharing American intelligence with Ukraine, tightening its withdrawal of support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze military aid to Kyiv, raising fears that Ukraine could deplete its weapons stockpile within months, the Daily Mail as reported.

In addition to halting military assistance, US authorities ordered UK intelligence agencies to stop sharing US-generated intelligence previously classified as "Rel UKR"—short for "Releasable to Ukraine." Instead, all intelligence will now be controlled directly by American agencies in Kyiv.

Fears grow over Ukraine’s military capabilities

A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times, “We have two to three months. After that, the position will be very difficult for us.” Military analysts warn that the freeze could embolden Russia, which already occupies 20% of Ukraine’s territory and maintains a significant advantage in troops and artillery.

The aid suspension comes days after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. Since the war began, the US has supplied Ukraine with $67 billion in military aid—outpacing Europe’s combined total of $65 billion. While European nations could increase their support, the US provides advanced weaponry that others cannot easily replace.

NATO allies express concern as Russia welcomes move

US Patriot missile systems have been critical to Ukraine’s air defence, and their depletion could leave Kyiv vulnerable to Russian missile strikes. NATO allies expressed concern over the decision, with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen warning, “We need the Americans militarily.” French Prime Minister François Bayrou called the aid freeze an abandonment of Ukraine, saying, “The word ‘suspension’ fools no one.”

Meanwhile, Moscow welcomed the announcement, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling the aid freeze “probably the best contribution to the cause of peace.”

Ukraine faces growing disadvantage against Russia

Ukraine was already outnumbered three to one in troops, five to one in artillery, and ten to one in armoured vehicles before the US suspension. The freeze affects over $1 billion in military equipment, including Patriot missile systems, HIMARS, Howitzers, and Abrams tanks, all now on hold.

With US support stalled and European assistance uncertain, Ukraine faces a deepening crisis, increasing pressure on its allies to step up their efforts.