Despite the Trump administration’s recent decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine, France has pledged to continue providing intelligence support to Kyiv, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Thursday. This move highlights growing European concerns about U.S. policy shifts under President Donald Trump, as well as the strategic necessity of maintaining support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Speaking on the French radio station France Inter, Lecornu emphasized that France’s intelligence-sharing activities with Ukraine remain independent of U.S. decisions. “Our intelligence is sovereign. Yes, we have intelligence resources that we share with the Ukrainians,” he stated. His remarks come just a day after Washington temporarily cut off intelligence sharing with Kyiv in an apparent attempt to pressure Ukrainian leadership into negotiations with Russia.
This abrupt change in U.S. policy has alarmed European allies, particularly as it coincides with the suspension of American military aid to Ukraine. Without U.S. support, Ukraine faces an increased risk of Russian airstrikes and battlefield setbacks. Lecornu hinted that France may work to fill some of the gaps left by the U.S. withdrawal, though he did not elaborate on specific measures.
Lecornu acknowledged the complexities faced by other European nations in stepping up intelligence-sharing efforts. The United Kingdom, for instance, is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance alongside the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. “I think that for our British friends, who are in an intelligence community with the U.S., it’s more complicated,” he noted.
As a result, France may find itself in a leading role within Europe’s intelligence-sharing framework for Ukraine. French intelligence agencies, which operate independently of the Five Eyes network, have maintained strong surveillance and analysis capabilities, particularly in areas such as satellite imagery, cyber intelligence, and electronic surveillance.
The Trump administration’s decision to halt intelligence sharing and military aid has fueled speculation that the move is a bargaining tool rather than a strategic shift in policy. Analysts suggest that Trump is attempting to pressure Ukraine into peace talks with Russia—negotiations that Kyiv has long resisted, fearing they would lead to territorial concessions.
Lecornu criticized this approach, calling it “morally detestable” if indeed it was intended to force Ukraine into negotiations on unfavorable terms. “If it’s a tool for negotiating and putting pressure on the Ukrainians, it’s very hard for them and morally detestable,” he said.
Many European leaders share this sentiment. They argue that withholding intelligence and military support at a critical juncture could embolden Russia and weaken Ukraine’s position at the negotiation table. French President Emmanuel Macron, a strong advocate for continued Western aid to Ukraine, has instructed his government to accelerate assistance to Kyiv, though details of this plan remain unclear.
The U.S. decision to pull back support for Ukraine has sent shockwaves through NATO and the broader European security community. Several European nations, including Germany and Poland, have reaffirmed their commitment to helping Ukraine. However, without American intelligence and logistical coordination, their ability to provide comprehensive support is uncertain.
The European Union has been exploring alternative methods to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, including increasing its direct military aid through the European Peace Facility (EPF). Some member states have also discussed forming a new intelligence-sharing mechanism outside of Five Eyes to compensate for the loss of American insights.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has long been a contentious issue. During his 2024 election campaign, he repeatedly questioned the need for continued American involvement in the conflict. His decision to cut off military aid and intelligence sharing marks a stark departure from the Biden administration’s policy, which prioritized strong backing for Kyiv.
Despite these changes, European leaders insist that Western support for Ukraine must not waver. Macron has been one of the most vocal advocates for continued assistance, arguing that a Russian victory would have dire consequences for European security.
In recent months, France has expanded its role in Ukraine’s defense efforts, providing Caesar self-propelled howitzers, anti-aircraft missiles, and training for Ukrainian soldiers. Now, with the U.S. stepping back, France’s intelligence-sharing operations could become even more crucial to Ukraine’s war effort.
The U.S. decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine has created uncertainty and concern among Western allies. However, France’s commitment to continuing intelligence cooperation demonstrates that European nations are willing to take on a greater role in supporting Kyiv.
