Key points
- Trump pressures allies to halt oil trade
- Ukraine seeks Tomahawks, develops Flamingo missile
- G7 to tighten sanctions on Russian oil
ISLAMABAD: The United States will begin sharing intelligence with Ukraine specifically for targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This marks a shift in policy, as Washington looks to undermine the Kremlin’s primary source of war funding by enabling Kyiv to hit refineries, pipelines, and power stations.
While intelligence sharing between the US and Ukraine has been ongoing, this development will streamline Ukrainian attacks on strategic energy assets, aiming to reduce Russia’s oil revenue. Washington is also encouraging NATO allies to offer similar support, reports Reuters.
President Donald Trump has reportedly been pushing European nations to halt Russian oil imports in return for his support on imposing stricter sanctions against Moscow.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US decision to enhance intelligence sharing came shortly before Trump posted on social media, claiming Ukraine could reclaim all occupied territory with EU backing. “After seeing the economic trouble facing Russia, I believe Ukraine, with EU support, can win back all its original territory,” he wrote on Truth Social following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Long-range missile
Washington is also considering Kyiv’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of 2,500 km—enough to reach Moscow and other key Russian targets. Ukraine has meanwhile developed its own long-range missile, the Flamingo, though it remains in early production and limited supply.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, labelling it a “special military operation” to stop Ukraine’s Western alignment and NATO expansion. Kyiv and Western allies have rejected this, viewing it as an unprovoked act of aggression and territorial conquest.
This marks the first time the US has directly supported long-range Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory aimed at the energy sector. Energy exports remain the Kremlin’s main source of wartime funding, making them a priority target for Western sanctions.
Imposing tariffs on Indian imports
In addition, Trump has proposed imposing tariffs on Indian imports to pressure New Delhi to stop buying discounted Russian oil. He has also lobbied countries such as Turkiye to cease oil trade with Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded: “Every sovereign state decides for itself where to cooperate. If such trade benefits Turkiye, it will continue.”
Meanwhile, G7 finance ministers pledged further action against countries and entities helping Russia circumvent sanctions by increasing oil purchases.
