US Intelligence Collaboration with Ukraine for Long-Range Strikes on Russian Energy Infrastructure

The United States has been providing intelligence support to Ukraine for targeting Russian energy infrastructure located far from the frontlines, according to a Financial Times report published Sunday.

This collaborative effort between US intelligence agencies and Ukrainian forces aims to weaken Russia's economy and potentially compel President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations.

According to unnamed Ukrainian and American officials cited in the report, US intelligence has been crucial in helping Ukraine successfully strike critical Russian energy assets, including oil refineries situated well beyond the conflict zone.

Neither the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, nor Ukraine's foreign ministry immediately responded to requests for comment from Reuters. Russian officials also did not provide an immediate reaction.

Earlier this month, Moscow had already accused Washington and NATO of regularly supplying intelligence to Kyiv in the ongoing conflict that began when Putin launched the invasion in February 2022.

"The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the United States to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at the time.

The Financial Times report details how US intelligence assists Ukraine in planning attack routes, determining optimal altitudes and timing, and making mission decisions. This support enables Ukraine's long-range, one-way attack drones to successfully evade Russian air defense systems.

According to three sources familiar with these operations, the United States is closely involved in all planning stages. One US official stated that while Ukraine selects the targets for long-range strikes, Washington provides crucial intelligence regarding the vulnerabilities of these sites.

Earlier this month, two US officials revealed to Reuters that Washington would provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets in Russia, as the US considers whether to send Kyiv missiles capable of conducting such strikes. The US has also requested similar support from its NATO allies.

On Saturday, President Zelenskiy announced he had discussed Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system during a "positive and productive" call with US President Donald Trump.

"We discussed opportunities to bolster our air defense, as well as concrete agreements that we are working on to ensure this. There are good options and solid ideas on how to truly strengthen us," Zelenskiy posted on the social media platform X.