U.S. Intelligence Assisting Ukraine in Attacks Deep Inside Russia – FT
The United States has been quietly providing intelligence support to Ukraine for several months to help target long-range drone strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, including oil refineries deep inside Russian territory.
The Gaze reports this, referring to The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and U.S. officials.
According to multiple sources familiar with the campaign, U.S. intelligence has enabled Ukraine to hit strategically significant energy assets, including refineries located hundreds of kilometers from the front line.
The assistance, which reportedly intensified in mid-summer, had not been publicly disclosed until now.
The shift in Washington’s approach followed a July phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the call, Trump reportedly asked whether Ukraine could strike Moscow if the United States supplied long-range weapons, the FT said.
Two sources familiar with the discussion said Trump expressed support for a strategy designed to “make the Russians feel pain” and pressure the Kremlin into negotiations.
The White House later clarified that the president “was asking questions, not encouraging further violence.”
Officials cited by the FT said American intelligence agencies are assisting Kyiv with mission planning, including routes, flight altitude, and timing, allowing Ukrainian long-range drones to evade Russian air defenses. Three people familiar with the operation described Washington as being closely involved in all stages of planning.
A U.S. official told the FT that Ukraine selects the targets, while Washington provides intelligence on vulnerabilities.
However, other sources suggested the United States also helps identify priority targets. One described Ukrainian drones as a “tool” for Washington to undermine Russia’s economy and pressure President Vladimir Putin toward a settlement.
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin following the lack of progress at a recent Alaska summit, according to the FT. This, sources said, contributed to his shift in favor of supporting Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.
As The Gaze reported earlier, on Saturday, Zelenskyy held another call with Trump, during which the Ukrainian leader raised the prospect of receiving U.S.-made Tomahawk long-range missiles.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that “detailed and active discussions” with Washington are ongoing regarding the potential transfer of such weapons.