(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, March 9, 2025, that the United States had “just about” ended its suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine. He also expressed optimism about upcoming discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.
When asked if he would consider fully ending the suspension, Trump responded, “We just about have. We just about have.”
The suspension, initially confirmed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Wednesday, was part of increasing pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage with Trump’s efforts to convene peace talks with Russia.
The intelligence-sharing halt, which coincided with a pause in U.S. military aid to Kyiv, has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian missile attacks. Some experts warn that the move could endanger Ukrainian lives.
Talks in Saudi Arabia and Minerals Agreement
U.S. officials are set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to assess whether Ukraine is open to making concessions to Russia as part of a potential peace settlement. The discussions in Jeddah will also address the status of a minerals agreement between Washington and Kyiv.
Trump expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating, “We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week.”
Previously, Zelensky and Trump were expected to sign the minerals accord, which would grant the U.S. access to certain mineral resources in Ukraine. However, the deal was left unsigned after tensions arose between the two leaders during Zelensky’s White House visit.
Despite this setback, Trump said on Sunday that he believes Ukraine will move forward with the agreement, which Kyiv wants to include a U.S. security guarantee.
“They will sign the minerals deal, but I want them to want peace… They haven’t shown it to the extent they should,” he remarked.
Tariffs and Military Exercises
Trump also stated that his administration is exploring various options regarding tariffs on Russia. However, he downplayed concerns over joint military exercises involving Russia, China, and Iran, indicating that U.S. officials are not particularly alarmed by the drills.
As tensions continue to unfold, the outcome of the upcoming negotiations and the fate of the minerals deal will be closely watched by both U.S. and international stakeholders.
