U.S. intelligence pause leaves Ukraine vulnerable to Russian advances
The decision by the United States to suspend intelligence cooperation with Ukraine has had serious consequences on the front lines, reports "Time" magazine. Russia has gained an advantage on a key front, contributing to increased losses among Ukrainian soldiers. Civilians are also being affected, as they are warned about threats with delays.
"The biggest problem is morale," said a Ukrainian military official in an interview with "Time", adding that "the armed forces of Ukraine are being left to fight without some of their best weapons systems, not as a result of Russian attacks but American pull backs."
The U.S. decision specifically affected the situation in the Russian Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are trying to hold onto territory gained in August of last year. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky considers this region crucial for future peace negotiations with Moscow.
Since the withdrawal of intelligence support from the U.S., the Russians have made significant advances.
"Ukrainians have lost the ability to detect the approach of Russian bombers and other aircraft as they take off in Russia. As a result, Ukraine has less time to warn civilians and the military of the risk of an impending airstrike or missile," explains "Time".
Problems with long-range attacks
The lack of U.S. intelligence has also impacted the ability of Ukrainian forces to carry out long and medium-range attacks on Russian targets. Previously, thanks to American satellites, Ukraine could precisely target Russian command centers. "These capabilities are now paralysed without access to information from US satellites," adds the magazine.
Some European intelligence agencies are attempting to fill the gap left by the U.S. "But it will take time for them to deploy, and they are not likely to make up for U.S. intelligence capabilities any time soon," reports "Time". Nonetheless, their assistance is invaluable in the current situation.
