Secret: U.S. Halts Sharing Intelligence on Ukraine–Russia Negotiations with Close Allies
Recent reports indicate that the U.S.
administration has made a significant decision to restrict the exchange of intelligence related to negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, even with its closest allies.
This move has surprised many experts, as the United States and partner countries previously collaborated in sharing intelligence to facilitate peace and stability in the region.Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, issued an official directive on July 20 that prohibited the dissemination of any information concerning negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, even to the Five Eyes alliance allies.
This secret order classifies all available intelligence and analysis regarding these talks under the “NOFORN” category — meaning no dissemination to foreign entities.
Consequently, information sharing is limited to the internal channels within the respective agencies and sources that provided the data.According to CBS News sources, this directive does not prohibit sharing military intelligence unrelated to negotiation processes or diplomatic communications obtained through other channels.
However, it strictly forbids distributing any detailed information about the negotiations and enforces high levels of secrecy to prevent leaks that could jeopardize the diplomatic efforts or NATO’s strategic interests.
Experts emphasize that this decision aims to tighten control over intelligence during wartime to prevent its possible exploitation by adversaries.Analysts, including former intelligence officials, note that such restrictions impact the ability of allies to collaborate swiftly and coherently in support of Ukraine.
“The core value of the Five Eyes partnership was in the mutual sharing of intelligence, which provided insights into the enemy’s plans, intentions, and capabilities,” explains former CIA officer Steven Cash.Overall, this ban complicates cooperation among partner countries and raises questions about transparency and trust during complex international negotiations, especially amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine and heightened regional tensions.