TRANSCRIPT
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has confirmed that the United States has halted intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a decision that could significantly undermine Kyiv’s ability to target Russian forces.
America's National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz says, however, that while the U-S is taking a moment to pause and reassess the relationship with Ukraine, there has been positive progress in recent discussions.
"We have taken a step back and are pausing and reviewing all aspects of this relationship. But I just got off the phone before I walked out here with my counterpart, the Ukrainian National Security Advisor, we are having good talks on a location for the next round of negotiations on delegations, on substance. So, just in the last 24 hours since the public statement from Zelenskyy, and then these subsequent conversations which I'm going to walk inside and continue. I think we're going to see movement in very short order."
Trump administration officials are suggesting that the suspension could be brief, citing positive talks between Washington and Kyiv.
Since the conflict began in 2022, the US has provided Ukraine with vital intelligence, including crucial targeting information for its military operations.
President Zelenskyy says that Ukrainian and US teams have now begun preparations for an upcoming meeting in Belgium on restoring US-Ukraine relations.
"We are preparing for the EU summit, which will take place tomorrow in Brussels. Everyone can see how fast diplomatic events are unfolding. Today, Ukrainian and American teams began working on an upcoming meeting. Andriy Yermak (Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine) and Mike Waltz (US National Security Advisor) held talks, and we’re seeing forward momentum. We hope to see the first results next week."
EU leaders are also holding emergency talks in Brussels on Thursday to discuss boosting military budgets after the Trump administration urged Europe to handle its own security and suspended military aid to Ukraine.
In just over a month, President Trump has reshaped US foreign policy, embracing Russia and withdrawing support for Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says a new era has dawned over Europe.
"We are in an era of rearmament and Europe is ready to massively boost its defense spending, both to respond to the short term urgency to act and to support Ukraine, but also to address the long-term need to take on more responsibility for our own European security."
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he is doing all he can to mend relations between Ukraine and the US following the tense exchange between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump on March 1st.
"We need to do everything we can to ensure that the US, Europe and Ukraine are working together on lasting peace. And I'm doing everything I can to play my part in that, in regular contact with all of the key players at the moment, including talking to President Zelenskyy yesterday afternoon."
Since President Trump shifted Washington's stance on Ukraine earlier this year, Sir Keir has supported Kyiv without alienating the US leader, who seeks a swift peace deal, with or without President Zelenskyy.
However, he has yet to secure US security guarantees for Ukraine.
This comes as French President Macron announces plans to meet European army chiefs in Paris next week.
"As soon as next week, we will gather in Paris army chiefs who wish to take their responsibility in this matter. And so this is a plan for a solid, lasting, verifiable peace, which we have prepared with the Ukrainians and several European partners and which I defended in the United States two weeks ago and across Europe. And I would like to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be ready if this isn't the case."
France and Britain aim to finalise a peace plan with Ukraine, potentially within days, to present to the US, while working to bridge gaps between Washington and Kyiv ahead of possible talks.
In a televised address, Mr Macron also pledged further defence investment without raising taxes and proposed a debate on extending France’s nuclear umbrella to European allies.
"Our nuclear dissuasion protects us, it is complete, sovereign, fully French. Since 1964, it has always explicitly played a role in the preservation of peace and security in Europe. But answering to the historic call of the future German chancellor (Friedrich Merz), I decided to open the strategic debate on the protection through our dissuasion of our allies in the European continent. Whatever happens, the decision has always been and will remain in the hands of the French president."
Meanwhile, a number of protesters have held a rally outside the US embassy in London, decrying the Trump administration's improving relations with Russia, while weakening Ukraine.
