U.S. halts satellite imagery and intelligence sharing with Ukraine

By bellecarter // 2025-03-13

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Ukraine has lost access to critical satellite imagery and intelligence-sharing services provided by U.S. companies and agencies, including Maxar Technologies' high-resolution imagery.
The suspension of Maxar's services is part of a broader freeze on military aid and intelligence cooperation with Ukraine, as confirmed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), which has halted access to the Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery (GEGD) system.
The loss of U.S. satellite imagery and intelligence sharing significantly weakens Ukraine's ability to monitor Russian troop movements, assess battlefield conditions and anticipate and counter Russian missile and drone attacks.
The decision to suspend support is reportedly tied to Washington's efforts to encourage Ukraine to engage in peace talks with Russia, following a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.
As Ukraine faces intensified Russian missile and drone strikes, the suspension of U.S. support comes at a critical juncture, raising concerns about Ukraine's ability to defend itself and maintain pressure on Russia.

Ukraine has lost access to critical satellite imagery and intelligence-sharing services provided by American companies and agencies. The move, which includes the suspension of Maxar Technologies' high-resolution satellite imagery services, comes amid a broader freeze on military aid and intelligence cooperation with Kyiv. The decision, reportedly tied to Washington's push for Ukraine to engage in peace talks with Russia, has sparked concerns about Ukraine's ability to defend itself against escalating Russian attacks. This development marks a pivotal moment in the three-year-old conflict, as Ukraine faces intensified missile and drone strikes while grappling with diminished Western support. Maxar Technologies, a leading commercial satellite imagery provider, has reportedly blocked Ukraine's access to its services in response to an "administrative request" from the U.S. government. Ukrainian media outlet Militarnyi first reported the restriction, citing anonymous Maxar users who confirmed the denial of access. Maxar's imagery has been instrumental for Ukraine's armed forces, enabling them to monitor Russian troop movements, assess battlefield conditions and evaluate damage to critical infrastructure. The suspension of Maxar's services is part of a broader halt in intelligence sharing, as confirmed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). In a statement on Friday, March 7, the NGA announced it had temporarily suspended Ukraine's access to the Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery system (GEGD), the primary portal for U.S. government-purchased commercial imagery. While Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, remains operational, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern about the broader implications of losing access to U.S. satellite imagery. "If Starlink is turned off, all of Ukraine will scream about it," a Ukrainian military source told ABC News. (Related: U.S. threatens to cut Starlink access unless Ukraine concedes mineral rights.)

A shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine

The suspension of satellite imagery and intelligence sharing follows a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump reportedly accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War III" by refusing to seek peace with Russia. The Ukrainian leader was asked to leave Washington and return only when prepared for serious negotiations. Trump's administration has since frozen billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, while the Central Intelligence Agency confirmed that intelligence sharing with Kyiv has been suspended. A U.S. official explained that offensive intelligence sharing has been scaled back while defensive intelligence support continues. "This isn't a giveaway program – we will only provide support that advances U.S. strategic interests and pushes Ukraine toward serious peace talks," the official said. The White House has suggested that the freeze on aid and intelligence sharing could be lifted if Ukraine takes concrete steps toward a peace deal with Russia. However, Zelensky has remained defiant, stating that there can be "no pause" in pressure on Russia. The suspension of U.S. support comes at a critical juncture, as Russia has dramatically increased its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. On Friday, March 7, Ukrainian officials reported one of the largest air assaults of the war, with Russia launching 261 missiles and drones targeting energy and gas infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian forces used Mirage-2000 fighter jets for the first time alongside F-16s to repel the attack, but the loss of U.S. satellite imagery and intelligence sharing could weaken their defensive capabilities. U.S. intelligence sharing had previously allowed Ukraine to provide early warnings to targeted areas, tracking Russian aircraft, drones and missile launches in real time. Without this support, Ukraine's ability to anticipate and counter Russian strikes may be significantly diminished. The Kremlin has welcomed Washington's decision to suspend military aid, viewing it as a potential step toward peace negotiations. However, Moscow remains cautious, noting that Zelensky has yet to lift his legal ban on direct talks with Russia. The suspension of U.S. satellite imagery and intelligence sharing with Ukraine represents a dramatic shift in Washington's approach to the conflict, raising questions about the future of Western support for Kyiv. As Russia intensifies its attacks, Ukraine faces mounting challenges in defending its territory and critical infrastructure. Watch the video below that talks about the U.S. pausing all military aid to Ukraine. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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A shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine

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