Days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a pause in intelligence sharing, the Ukrainian military reports minimal impact on frontline operations.
Experts and military officials, however, warn that the suspension may take a greater toll on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
The U.S. ceased intelligence sharing with Ukraine on March 5, following a freeze on military aid aimed at pressuring Kyiv into swift negotiations with Russia. Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, asserted that Ukraine had "brought this on themselves" by not cooperating in peace talks.
Additionally, U.S. aerospace company Maxar Technologies has reportedly restricted Ukraine’s access to satellite imagery, according to Ukrainian media outlet Militarnyi.
Despite this, Ukrainian officials are working on alternative intelligence sources with foreign partners. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that France continues to provide intelligence support to Ukraine.
“There is nothing unique about the United States’ intelligence capabilities. It is possible to replace them,” said Mykhailo Samus, a military expert and director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, speaking to the Kyiv Independent.
Effects on the Battlefield
Several Ukrainian soldiers and commanders report that the intelligence cutoff has had little to no effect on their operations.
At the tactical level, the Ukrainian army relies on multiple intelligence-gathering methods, including drone surveillance, the Ukrainian-made situational awareness system Delta—praised by NATO after 2024 testing—and regular reconnaissance missions.
“My drones give me the intelligence,” said ‘Spys,’ an artilleryman fighting in Kursk Oblast, identified only by his callsign for security reasons.
According to Samus, American intelligence played only a sporadic role on the frontlines.
“I am convinced that the frontline will cope without intelligence from our U.S. partners,” said Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the elite unmanned systems regiment “Achilles” in Kharkiv Oblast. However, both experts and military personnel agree that additional intelligence is always valuable in battlefield operations.
“Ukraine has developed intelligence tools that cover a certain operational depth,” Fedorenko explained. “But in war, it’s critical to monitor the enemy at all levels, from production and logistics to frontline movements.”
Strikes Deep into Russia and Occupied Territories
Since early 2024, Ukraine has carried out drone strikes deep within Russia and occupied territories, targeting military and strategic assets such as oil refineries.
These strikes have disrupted Russia’s logistics and reduced its gas and oil exports, crucial to funding its war effort.
Samus believes that the U.S. intelligence cutoff will not significantly hinder Ukraine’s ability to plan such operations, as the country has its own satellites. Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) confirmed that its crowdfunded satellite has captured over 4,000 images of Russian facilities, inflicting "billions of dollars" in damages to the enemy.
“We still have good intel from our own means,” Samus said. “And our drones can ‘see’ at least a couple hundred kilometers into Russia.”
A soldier, speaking anonymously, noted that his unit sometimes relies on HUR intelligence, which is often superior to what is available within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As of publication, HUR has not commented on the situation.
Defense Against Massive Air Attacks
Experts caution that Ukrainian civilians will bear the brunt of the intelligence cutoff, as it weakens Ukraine’s ability to detect and respond to Russian aerial strikes.
“The air defense system does not rely on satellite data but on long-range radar information,” said Viktor Kevliuk, a retired military officer and defense expert.
Radars are typically kept off to avoid enemy detection but are activated when satellites detect incoming threats such as cruise missiles. Without U.S. intelligence, Ukrainian forces lose early warnings of potential air attacks.
“The U.S. actions deprive Ukraine’s defense forces of advance notice for airstrikes,” Kevliuk stated.
U.S. Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft previously provided radar surveillance up to 500 kilometers into Russian territory. Samus emphasized that European allies possess similar reconnaissance capabilities and could step in to fill the gap.
“For instance, Russia launched its nuclear-capable ‘Oreshnik’ missile at Ukraine on Nov. 21 and pre-notified the U.S. through nuclear risk reduction channels,” said Ukrainian army officer Myroslav Hai. “U.S. intelligence knows when Russia is planning something devastating for our cities.”
The intelligence cutoff is just one of several recent U.S. decisions benefiting Russia, leading to frustration among Ukrainians.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Trump starts giving intelligence to the Russians,” said ‘Bart,’ a special forces sniper fighting near Pokrovsk.
“The U.S. has effectively sided with Russia, allowing it to use its weapons more efficiently,” Samus added. “They were once the leader of the democratic world, but not anymore. Now, they make decisions that facilitate war crimes.”
“This is a catastrophe for the U.S., not for us,” he concluded.
‘We Will Adapt’
“This isn’t the first time the U.S. has taken such steps,” Fedorenko noted, referencing past delays in military aid and selective intelligence sharing.
Throughout the full-scale war, Ukraine has adapted to numerous challenges, and soldiers remain confident they will overcome this one as well.
“We will endure,” said ‘Bart.’ “Russia is running out of breath here.”
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