The United States has approved expanded intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to carry out long-range missile strikes against Russia’s vital energy infrastructure, according to the Wall Street Journal. This marks the first time Washington will directly support Ukrainian attacks on targets such as oil refineries, pipelines, and power stations—key sources of revenue for Moscow’s war effort. U.S. officials are also urging NATO allies to provide similar assistance.
While Washington has long provided battlefield intelligence to Ukraine, the new authorization is designed to weaken the Kremlin’s financial lifeline from oil and gas exports. The move came shortly before President Donald Trump publicly stated that Ukraine, with European Union backing, could potentially reclaim all its occupied territory. In his recent social media post following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Trump emphasized that Russia’s economic strain could tip the balance in Ukraine’s favor.
In parallel, Ukraine has requested advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk missiles with a range of 2,500 kilometers—capable of reaching Moscow and much of Russia from Ukrainian territory. Kyiv has also begun limited production of its own long-range missile, dubbed the Flamingo, though details remain scarce.
The development underscores growing Western efforts to undermine Russia’s wartime economy. Energy exports remain Moscow’s largest source of income, despite heavy sanctions imposed since the invasion began in February 2022. To intensify pressure, Trump has imposed tariffs on Indian imports to dissuade purchases of discounted Russian crude and urged countries like Turkey to halt oil trade with Moscow. Meanwhile, the Group of Seven finance ministers pledged new steps to target buyers and facilitators of Russian oil.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Western pressure, asserting that trade decisions rest with Russia’s partners. However, U.S. officials stress that by restricting energy revenues, Ukraine’s allies can strike at the heart of Russia’s ability to sustain its war.