UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Britain will continue supplying intelligence aid to Ukraine despite the US cutting off its support, though their resources are not as extensive.
Following America’s decision to stop intelligence support earlier this week, the UK will continue its aid to Ukraine. However, the limited resources available from London and other European countries may not compensate for the loss of US assistance.
What did the UK say about continuing intelligence support for Ukraine?
As reported by The Guardian, the UK will continue supplying analysis of raw data, but it will not directly transmit US-sourced information due to established intelligence-sharing norms between the two countries.
A former Whitehall source said that the UK’s intelligence capabilities are not as broad or on the same scale as the US, but they will still allow Ukraine to maintain early attack warnings and carry out some deep strike missions into Russia.
The UK shares reconnaissance data with Ukraine, which is collected from satellites, ground stations, Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, and covert ground forces, along with open-source material, enabling devastating missile and drone strikes into Russia.
How France and the UK plan to continue intelligence support for Ukraine?
Along with the UK, France has pledged to continue its intelligence aid to Ukraine, despite the US decision. Sébastien Lecornu, France’s armed forces minister, said that although the US move would have a “significant operational impact,” Paris remains committed to providing its “sovereign intelligence.”
The French minister stated that the UK’s stance was ‘more complicated’ as its intelligence framework is strongly tied to Washington. However, British sources pointed out that the relationship between the UK and the US has been shaped by a long-standing history of competition and partnership.
What did the expert warn about the US intelligence cutoff and its impact on Ukraine?
Dr Jade McGlynn, a scholar at King’s College London, raised concerns that America’s decision to cut off intelligence could allow Russia to resume its stalled offensive toward Ukraine’s second-largest city. She predicted that the Kremlin might move its assets inside its borders near Kharkiv and launch another attack.
A defense specialist warned that the intelligence freeze could prevent Ukraine from identifying incoming Iskander missiles and their North Korean versions, the KN-23 and KN-24. Valerii Riabykh, the editor of Defense Express, argued that the US move compromised the safety of civilians.
Institute for the Study of War stance on US suspension of intelligence support
The Institute for the Study of War warned that the American decision would undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian attacks. The organization pointed out that several successful long-range strikes that had been effective in the past would now face increased difficulty without the same level of intelligence assistance.
US stance on Ukraine’s military and intelligence aid
The US announced on Monday that it would suspend military assistance to Ukraine after discussions at the White House, with the intelligence-sharing ban coming into force on Wednesday.
Mr Trump has made it clear that ending the ongoing war in Ukraine is a priority, having initiated discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also pressuring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider peace talks. Senior officials from the Trump administration are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia next week to engage with Ukrainian leaders.
How Ukraine’s Himars and intelligence operations target Russian military?
Ukraine has a small number of Himars launchers, but their impact has been significant in striking high-priority Russian targets like ammunition dumps and logistics hubs. In response, the Kremlin has made efforts to track down Himars crews, who often change their positions.
The HUR, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, depends on foreign intelligence sources to carry out sabotage missions within Russia and to obtain real-time updates regarding the deployment of Russian bomber planes at air bases.
How many military assistance has the UK pledged to Ukraine?
On 5 February 2025, Foreign Secretary David Almmey traveled to Ukraine, after Keir Starmer promised that the UK will play its full part in securing lasting peace, including the possibility of deploying troops in Ukraine.
He also pledged £55m in aid for sectors such as energy, grain, and social services.