Rubio denies US halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, during a visit to Uzbekistan, that Washington had not stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, which is fighting Russia's war. He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to concentrate on ending the conflict. The remarks matter because intelligence is one form of support for Ukraine's defence, and they come as US President Donald Trump sharply criticises the Ukrainian leader.

Conflicting claims

Ukrainian officials claimed the US had briefly suspended the transfer of intelligence information. On Sunday, Zelensky told US media that the United States had resumed intelligence sharing after a three-day break. Rubio denied any such pause had taken place.

Rubio: ending the war is the priority

The Secretary of State said Trump wants Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to focus on stopping the war. Rubio said everyone should concentrate on that, including the Russians, and that the president has made it a priority.

Trump's criticism

Trump claims to have struck a deal with Russia to secure fuel exports in exchange for sanctions relief. In recent days he has repeatedly criticised Zelensky. On Sunday, on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that he is making major progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, but that Zelensky does not care. He also said that, given the funding Europe provides, Zelensky does not want to end the war and most likely never did.

Trump added that Zelensky is targeting Russian oil refineries, aware that the attacks seriously harm global diesel markets, including those in the US.