UKRAINIANS on the frontline are raging after Donald Trump axed sharing intelligence against the Russians – leaving Kyiv’s troops “fighting blind”.
The intelligence partnership between the US and Ukraine has proven to be vital in saving the lives of not only the troops, but the country’s citizens too.
Another Ukrainian soldier awaits orders at his artillery position
Ukrainians have been forced to ‘fight in the dark’Getty
ReutersServicemen of the 32nd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire a D-20 howitzer toward Russian troops[/caption]
SplashThe Trump administration has paused all military aid as well as intelligence sharing with Ukraine[/caption]
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States has been Ukraine’s biggest backer, providing $65.9 billion in military support.
But that pipeline is now in doubt after Trump made a dramatic U-turn on Washington’s commitment to Kyiv and pulled the plug on military aid.
The stunning decision came after a fiery Oval Office showdown between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the US leader warning that the Ukrainian president “will not be around very long” unless he agrees to America’s terms for a peace deal.
And on Tuesday, the US confirmed it has cut vital intel-sharing with the war-torn nation, hindering Ukraine’s battlefield tactics against Russia.
This includes the satellite info needed to use HIMARS.
Both extremities have plunged Ukraine into a level of depression, troops say, as they struggle to find a new motivation to continue in the war and believe the victory will still be on their side.
And furious Ukrainians at the frontline say they are being forced to “fight in darkness”.
Yury, a soldier who serves in the Kherson direction, told The Sun: “The most devastating consequences of the intel cuts our guys in the Kursk region face.
“They were literally left blind there, and they will not be aware anymore of where the danger is going to come from.
“It was unimaginably hard to fight this war before; now it goes to the point even beyond that.
“I am afraid more and more people will refuse to go into the assault now without intel data. It is getting worse with every hour Trump is in power.”
Tuman, a Ukrainian drone pilot in the Kharkiv direction, told The Sun: ” I have a lack of words; we feel betrayed; we kind of saw it coming, but still it is hard to believe that this is the reality now.
“We still will have some intel from our recon drones, but this is a totally different range, and in the long run, it can turn the tables in Russia’s favor.
“We would not know where they are going to attack from and will not be able to use long-range missiles to prevent these attacks. This is backstabbing.”
Karl Johnson, medic-driver for the 2nd battalion of the Foreign Legion of the Army of Ukraine added: “EU countries are already stepping up intel flights along the borders of the conflict and Russian borders, but it will likely be hard for them to maintain that long term until they expand their capabilities.
“Targeting for long-range strikes will be harder. Now likely reduced to just already known targets. Damage assessments against long-range targets will be reduced to what Russians share.
“Most concerningly, Russian buildups of troops for offensives likely won’t be spotted.
“So their offensives will be a surprise. Without us having moved reserves to counter them. Or, having hit troop concentrations and logistics before they launch the offensive.
AFPTrump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) had a heated clash during their meeting at the White House last week[/caption]
GettyUkrainian forces will have to push through without America’s big bucks and arsenal[/caption]
DONETSK OBLAST, UKRAINE – MARCH 5: Ukrainian soldiers reload Msta-B artillery, in the direction of Niu York, Ukraine as Russia-Ukraine war continues on March 05, 2025. (Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)
President Zelensky at Lancaster House during the European leaders’ summit on March 2
“New logistics targets likely won’t be spotted either. We have largely crippled their offensives through these means since receiving HIMARS and expanding Ukraine’s medium-range strike capabilities in other ways.
“The earliest warning for Shahed and missile strikes is likely lost as well. We won’t see Tu-22s taking off.
“With less time to prepare air defenses, they will likely be less effective, and more Russian attacks will succeed.
“America is directly aiding Russia’s genocide.”
Military experts believe that the pause in intelligence sharing could significantly strengthen Russia and intensify its strikes against Ukraine.
Ukraine‘s military is now facing one of its biggest challenges since the start of the war: fighting without the full backing of the United States.
As the battlefield grows more brutal thanks to tyrant Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian troops must now prepare for a prolonged fight with fewer missiles, less artillery, and increasingly scarce air defence systems.
Every day that passes without new supplies from the US brings fresh risks – not just for Ukraine‘s territorial defense, but for the men on the frontline who now face the daunting task of repelling Russian attacks with dwindling resources.
TRUMP’S FURY
The suspension aims to pressure Ukraine into demonstrating a stronger commitment to peace negotiations with Russia.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s perceived lack of gratitude for US support and questioned his genuine interest in pursuing peace, especially given Zelensky’s skepticism toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The aid suspension affects all undelivered military equipment, including items in transit or stockpiled in Poland.
This move has raised concerns about potential escalations in the conflict, with critics arguing it could embolden Russian aggression against Ukraine.
CAN EUROPE FILL THE GAP?
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US has spent $300–$350 billion on Ukraine aid — far more than Europe.
But fact-checks suggest this is wildly exaggerated.
The Kiel Institute, which tracks global Ukraine aid, says the real US spending is $119.7 billion — far below Trump’s claim.
Even the widest possible estimate of US spending, including training and replenishment of stockpiles, reaches only $182.8 billion.
Meanwhile, Europe has actually provided more aid than the US.
According to the Kiel Institute, from January 2022 to December 2024, Europe spent $138.7 billion on Ukraine—outpacing the US total of $119.7 billion.
The UK remains Ukraine’s third-biggest backer behind the US and Germany, with its latest package being a $2.8 billion (£2.26 billion) loan signed on March 1.
But the big question now is: if the US stops its support entirely, can Europe step up fast enough to keep Ukraine in the fight?
Former British Army officer Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon told The Sun: “The European NATO countries, militarily, on their own, vastly over matched the Russians.
“And we need to flex that muscle rather than sort of hold back, because in this type of conflict, you’ve got to go all in.”
Dr Bence Nemeth, of the Defence Studies Department at King’s College London, added: “Without the United States as a steadfast ally, Europe faces a turbulent security environment where dangers can originate not only from Russia but also from the missteps of Western policies themselves.
“Yet there is also an upside. When longtime alliances shift, we cannot assume conflict is inevitable.
“Instead, such disruptions can create space for dialogue and new partnerships.
“It is a complex challenge but also an opportunity to reshape the rules of engagement for the 21st century in ways that might ultimately serve all parties better.”
For now, Ukraine’s troops remain on the battlefield, but their future arsenal is uncertain.
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