The Atlantic: U.S. Intelligence Continues To Assist Ukraine

24.10.2026, 15:28

Even though Trump is building a relationship with Putin.

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency continues to provide Ukraine with intelligence, including warnings about approaching Russian missiles and drones. This is happening despite tense relations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as the White House leader’s attempts to improve relations with Vladimir Putin, the illegitimate president of the aggressor nation, Russia. This was reported by The Atlantic.

Trump’s relationship with Zelenskyy has recently become strained. The U.S. president called on Ukrainians to elect a new head of state, describing Zelenskyy as a more difficult negotiating partner than Putin and accusing him of dragging out the war. At the same time, Trump failed to mention that it was Russia that launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and he did not acknowledge that Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated his readiness to reach a peace agreement with Russia—but only if it does not involve Ukraine’s surrender.

At the same time, U.S. intelligence continues to support Ukraine. Thanks to intelligence provided by the U.S., the Ukrainian military is striking targets deep inside Russian territory, while American reconnaissance satellites provide early warning of missile and drone attacks. A high-ranking retired U.S. officer who regularly visits Ukraine told the publication that the CIA plays a leading role among U.S. representatives involved in supporting Kyiv on the ground. An intelligence official from one of the Baltic states, which cooperates with the U.S. in countering Russia, also stated that the U.S. agency’s operations have become “significantly more aggressive” than during the presidency of Joe Biden.

Trump continues to seek opportunities for agreements with Moscow. He has already announced a large-scale deal to purchase Russian diesel fuel, hoping that economic incentives will help bring Putin back to the negotiating table. At the same time, such steps could bring Russia additional revenue, even as it continues its war against Ukraine, the article states.

According to media reports, the White House chief also threatened to halt the transfer of intelligence data to Ukraine if Kyiv does not agree to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries. According to the journalist, Trump could effectively use intelligence support as a tool to pressure the Ukrainian leadership, without making similar demands of Moscow.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe found himself caught between the president’s policy and Ukraine’s need for intelligence assistance. According to the publication, he recognizes the threat that Russia poses not only to Ukraine but also to the U.S. and its allies. This assessment is shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset, although they have also recently supported Trump’s public rhetoric.

Ratcliffe, as The Atlantic notes, used a communication channel between U.S. and Russian intelligence agencies to convey his assessment of the situation on the front lines to Moscow. According to the publication’s sources, U.S. intelligence believes that neither side has gained a decisive advantage in the war. Washington hopes that an awareness of the reality of the situation might push Putin toward negotiations.

However, the Ukrainian side does not consider the CIA director an unconditional ally. Ratcliffe reports to Trump and, should the president issue a corresponding order, would most likely cease sharing intelligence with Ukraine. According to people familiar with his work, he is unlikely to try to persuade the president to reverse such a decision, even despite concerns within the agency.

The article also mentions disruptions in the operation of the Starlink satellite system and U.S. early-warning systems, which made it difficult to detect Russian missiles. At the same time, the U.S. has not officially halted the transfer of intelligence to Ukraine.

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