In a significant shift in its Ukraine policy, the Trump administration has reportedly authorized U.S. intelligence agencies to provide Kyiv with targeting information for long-range missile strikes deep inside Russia. This move marks the first time the U.S. will provide direct intelligence support for attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.According to officials, the decision will allow Ukraine to better target refineries, pipelines, power stations, and other critical infrastructure far from its borders. The aim is to cripple Russia's war economy by depriving it of the revenue and energy resources needed to sustain its military campaign. The Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies have been directed to assist Kyiv in planning these strikes.This change in policy signals a deepening of U.S. support for Ukraine and appears to be driven by President Trump's increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin as peace talks have stalled. The administration had previously restricted Ukraine from using its most powerful weapons and shared intelligence for strikes inside Russia.Alongside the expanded intelligence sharing, the administration is also considering supplying Ukraine with more powerful, long-range weapons. Among the considerations are Tomahawk and Barracuda missiles, which have a range of approximately 500 miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a "very fruitful conversation" with President Trump where the potential supply of long-range weapon systems was discussed.The new intelligence sharing and the potential for more advanced weaponry could significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to conduct a strategic campaign against Russia's economic assets. The administration is also urging its NATO allies to provide similar intelligence and operational support to Kyiv.This policy shift follows a period of complex relations, which included a temporary halt in intelligence sharing earlier in 2025, in what was seen as an effort to pressure Kyiv to enter into negotiations.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that it is "obvious" that NATO and the United States' infrastructure are being used to collect and transfer intelligence to the Ukrainians. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that the use of Western long-range weapons against targets inside Russia would be viewed as a direct entry into the war by the West.While American officials are reportedly awaiting written instructions from the White House before sharing the intelligence, this move represents a major escalation in U.S. involvement in the conflict.
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