Recently, President Trump has given the go-ahead for a plan to share intelligence with Ukraine, aimed at enabling missile strikes on energy infrastructure deep within Russia.
This Intelligence Sharing Agreement permits the Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies to assist Ukraine in targeting crucial oil refineries, pipelines, and other facilities that support Russia’s ongoing war efforts. This information comes from reports by the Wall Street Journal published on Wednesday.
The administration has also urged European NATO allies to collaborate in providing similar intelligence to Ukraine, according to U.S. officials.
While the U.S. has typically offered aid for drone and missile operations, this represents the first comprehensive Intelligence Sharing Plan that the Trump administration endorses for long-range strikes against targets inside Russia.
Moreover, officials are contemplating the addition of long-range weaponry for Ukraine, including Tomahawk and Barracuda cruise missiles that can reach targets over 500 miles away.
That said, officials have cautioned that no conclusive decision has been reached regarding long-range missile transfers to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly asked Trump for Tomahawk missiles during a private meeting last week, and sources indicate that the President appeared receptive to the request.
Tomahawk missiles can travel up to 1,500 miles, which would allow strikes even beyond Moscow.
The longest-range system Ukraine has received from the U.S. to date is the ATACM, capable of flying only 190 miles.
Back in August, the Trump administration approved the sale of over 3,000 Extended Range Attack Ammunition, which can cover distances up to 280 miles.
This intelligence sharing and the potential sale of long-range missiles come as Trump seems to be increasingly backing Ukraine’s efforts in the ongoing peace discussions with Russia.
Just last week, Trump labeled Russia a “paper tiger,” referencing new U.S. intelligence suggesting that the Kremlin is heading toward economic distress and military setbacks due to its invasion of Ukraine.
For the first time, the President also indicated that he believes the Ukrainian military could potentially “reclaim all of Ukraine in its original form.”
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comments.
