The US has begun sharing intelligence with Ukraine that helps plan strikes on Russian energy facilities — the Financial Times wrote about this in detail.
According to several international publications and official sources, American intelligence provides Kyiv with information that facilitates the selection of vulnerable targets and routes for drones and long-range missiles, as well as helps make tactical decisions during operations.
In recent months, the intensity of attacks on Russian energy has increased significantly, with Ukrainian strikes hitting oil refineries, pipelines and other key facilities, disrupting fuel supplies within Russia and forcing Moscow to cut diesel exports. Analysts attribute the increase in attacks to Kyiv's better knowledge of Russian air defenses and vulnerable infrastructure.
The practice has been controversial in the United States and among allies, with supporters saying that energy strikes weaken Russia's ability to wage war and put political pressure on the Kremlin, while critics warn of the risks of escalation and possible humanitarian consequences. However, some reports suggest that the US administration has called on allies to increase intelligence support for Ukraine.
In response to the publications, a number of experts and officials emphasize the need for restraint and clear political control over how the transferred data is used to avoid unintended consequences. At the same time, Kyiv sees these materials as a tool to strengthen defense capabilities and increase pressure on economic sources of financing Russian aggression.
What is currently known:
• The US has agreed to transfer intelligence to plan strikes on energy targets in Russia.
• The intelligence concerns information about vulnerabilities of facilities, routes and features of air defense.
• After the intensification of strikes in August-September, fuel supply disruptions in some regions of the Russian Federation have noticeably increased.
The transfer of intelligence for energy strikes represents a significant increase in partner assistance, but at the same time raises questions of political responsibility and risks to civilian infrastructure and international stability. Further developments will depend on how Kyiv uses the information received, what control guarantees the United States and its allies will introduce, and how Moscow reacts.
