US halts intel support to Ukraine, Russia gains ground
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 receiving delayed warnings of threats, are also at risk.
"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 affected the situation in the Russian Kursk region, where Ukrainian units are struggling to maintain territory gained last August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considers this region crucial for 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, using American satellites, Ukraine was able to precisely target Russian command centers. "These capabilities are now paralyzed without access to information from US satellites," adds the magazine.
Some European intelligence agencies are trying to compensate for 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.
