US intelligence pullback leaves Ukraine vulnerable to Russian gains
The United States' decision to suspend intelligence cooperation with Ukraine has had serious consequences for the front line situation, reports "Time" magazine. Russia has gained an advantage in a key area, leading to increased losses among Ukrainian soldiers. Civilians, who are being warned of threats with delays, are also losing their lives.
- 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 US decision particularly impacted the situation in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian units are trying to maintain territory gained last August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considers this region crucial in future peace negotiations with Moscow.
Since the withdrawal of intelligence support by the US, the Russians have made significant progress.
"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 intelligence from the US has also affected the Ukrainian forces' ability to conduct long and medium-range attacks on Russian targets. Previously, thanks to American satellites, Ukraine was able to precisely target Russian command centres. "These capabilities are now paralysed without access to information from US satellites," adds the magazine.
Some European intelligence agencies are trying to bridge the gap left by the US. "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.
