Russia blackmailed the U.S., demanding that it stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine — Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia attempted to blackmail the United States by proposing to halt intelligence sharing with Tehran in exchange for the cessation of U.S. intelligence support for Ukraine.
In an interview with Reuters on March 25, the head of state said that Ukrainian intelligence has confirmation of such proposals from Moscow.
Zelenskyy also emphasized that Iranian drones attacking U.S. and allied targets in the Middle East contain Russian components, indicating deep military cooperation between the two countries.
Amid constant attacks by Shahed-type drones on Ukrainian cities, Ukraine is already assisting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar in countering drones on their territories. The president expressed hope for the conclusion of long-term agreements with Gulf states to finance the production of Ukrainian interceptor drones and the purchase of air defense missiles. These statements came alongside reports of Russia’s preparations for operations against Ukraine’s water supply systems and pressure from Washington to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbas in exchange for security guarantees.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that the U.S. is offering Ukraine security guarantees in exchange for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the unoccupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. According to Zelenskyy, the White House’s readiness to conclude Operation “Epic Rage” in the Middle East and calls to conserve interceptor missiles directly influence Washington’s position regarding Ukrainian territories.
Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on March 25 that the “Epic Rage” military operation against Iran is nearing its conclusion.
