Why the US is giving Ukraine intelligence for strikes deep inside Russia

US shares intelligence with Ukraine

The Trump administration in the US has approved the sharing of US intelligence with Ukraine to help it carry out long-range missile strikes against Russian energy infrastructure. The decision, confirmed by American officials, marks the first time Washington will provide Kyiv with targeting data for strikes deep inside Russian territory. It comes as efforts to broker peace talks have stalled, signalling a shift in US strategy from negotiation to intensifying military pressure, the Wall Street Journal reported.

What the intelligence sharing means

For years, the US has supported Ukraine’s drone and missile operations but withheld sensitive targeting data for deep strikes. Under the new policy, Ukraine will receive intelligence that could allow it to hit refineries, pipelines, and power plants, depriving Moscow of energy revenue critical to its war effort. Officials say the change could dramatically increase the effectiveness of Ukraine’s strikes and force Russia to stretch its air defences further inside its borders.
Possible new weapons on the table

The administration is also weighing whether to provide advanced US missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 miles and shorter-range Barracuda systems. No final decision has been made, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally asked for Tomahawks. Earlier, Washington approved the sale of Extended Range Attack Munitions, which can travel up to 280 miles, but has restricted the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms) to targets outside Russia.

Trump’s shifting approach

Since taking office in January, President Trump has sought to end the war by offering Russian President Vladimir Putin economic incentives to halt the invasion. With those overtures failing, Trump has grown more critical of Russia’s battlefield performance, publicly noting its inability to secure major territorial gains. His approval of intelligence sharing reflects a more confrontational stance, even as he continues to signal that negotiations remain his ultimate goal.

Russia’s cautious reaction

The Kremlin responded with measured concern, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning that questions remain over “who is assigning the targeting” of such strikes. Moscow suggested that US involvement in selecting targets could blur the line between Ukrainian and American responsibility, potentially escalating the conflict. Still, Russian officials stopped short of issuing direct threats of retaliation, reflecting careful calibration as they assess the scope of US intentions.

Europe’s role and broader strategy

European allies welcomed the move, with Germany highlighting its $350 million investment in Ukraine’s capacity to produce long-range strike systems. Military officials argue that Ukraine must be able to hit Russia’s supply lines and infrastructure to hold the front line against a larger adversary. Analysts note that combining US intelligence with powerful new weapons could alter the balance of the war, even if it risks widening the conflict.

What comes next

For now, Ukraine continues to rely on its own drones and domestically developed missiles, such as the “Flamingo,” capable of carrying heavy payloads deep into Russian territory. The new US intelligence could significantly enhance the effectiveness of these strikes. Whether Washington ultimately delivers Tomahawks or other long-range systems will depend on Trump’s next moves, balancing his desire for leverage in peace talks with growing pressure from allies to give Kyiv the tools it needs to push back Russia.