The United States has resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine regarding Russian missile attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday. Following discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Norway, Zelenskyy highlighted that this renewed cooperation would enable Kyiv to receive advance warnings about ballistic missile strikes, thereby aiding efforts to protect civilians.
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the move, emphasizing the importance of early warnings for the safety of children, adults, and other civilians in Ukraine. He acknowledged the potential of such intelligence to save lives amid ongoing Russian military actions.
This development occurs amid tense relations between Washington and Kyiv, particularly concerning the future of US military support and strategies to conclude the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While US President Donald Trump has pressed for a peace agreement, Ukraine maintains that any resolution must uphold its sovereignty and involve its participation in negotiations.
Witkoff is expected to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting with Zelenskyy, as part of diplomatic efforts to explore possible negotiation pathways. However, significant disagreements persist over the terms of a potential settlement.
In the talks, Zelenskyy also raised issues about restrictions on Ukraine’s military communications and the need for more Patriot air defense interceptors. He indicated Ukraine’s willingness to consider halting long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries if the US provides additional Patriot missiles to bolster its air defenses.
The Ukrainian president firmly dismissed any proposals for negotiations about Ukraine’s future without its involvement, underlining that Kyiv must have a role in discussions concerning its territory and security.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks have continued across Ukraine, with at least nine fatalities reported on Tuesday. Among the casualties were three individuals who died when a Russian drone hit vehicles on the Kyiv-Odesa highway, injuring four others in the incident. The renewed intelligence-sharing agreement is anticipated to enhance Ukraine’s readiness against missile strikes, though uncertainties linger regarding future American military assistance and the prospects for resolving the conflict through negotiations.