The U.S. will soon begin providing Ukraine with real-time targeting intelligence for the first time. The move will enable long-range strikes against Russia’s energy infrastructure – a major policy shift confirmed by The Wall Street Journal and later by Reuters.
The White House is finalizing the guidance. It comes as the Trump administration weighs Kyiv’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles and other deep-strike systems.
Download the Straight Arrow app today to get the stories that matter free from manipulation, bias or agenda.™
Point phone camera here
President Donald Trump recently authorized intelligence agencies and the Pentagon to assist Ukraine in identifying targets such as refineries, pipelines and power plants, according to U.S. officials cited by The Journal. The strikes target a key Russian vulnerability, as the Kremlin relies primarily on energy revenue to fund its war effort.
According to one official, the U.S. can’t share intelligence until the White House issues formal written guidance. Washington has asked NATO allies to provide similar support.
This new policy represents a major change. While Washington has previously assisted Kyiv’s attacks, it has also maintained firm limits on the use of its most powerful weapons and the intelligence provided for them.
What weapons are under discussion?
U.S. officials told the Journal that in addition to intelligence, the Trump administration is weighing Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles and other long-range systems such as Barracudas. Tomahawks have a range of about 1,500 miles.
So far, officials have not made a final decision on weapons transfers. Ukraine has already been approved for 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions capable of traveling up to 280 miles, while its domestically produced “Flamingo” missile reportedly can strike targets more than 1,800 miles away.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked Trump directly for Tomahawks last week. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Sunday that the request is under review.
Why the shift?
The shift in policy follows stalled cease-fire talks and what Trump sees as growing Russian intransigence. According to The Journal, the president has grown frustrated with Moscow’s refusal to negotiate. He shifted his rhetoric, writing on Truth Social that Ukraine could “WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”
As part of European support for the effort, Germany has committed approximately $350 million to help Ukraine build its own industrial capacity for manufacturing deep-strike weapons.
Moscow reacts
Russia is already signaling alarm. The Journal reports that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is analyzing U.S. statements about Tomahawks, asking “who can launch these missiles” and “who is assigning the targeting to these missiles.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov argued that supplying such weapons “will not change the situation on the battlefield.”
