The Kremlin continues to keep a close eye on possible changes in US policy towards Ukraine. Recently, there have been regular reports in the media that Washington may reconsider its support for Kyiv, particularly regarding arms supplies and the exchange of intelligence. However, according to the Russian President’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about possible changes in US strategy.
Peskov noted that the media contains both reports of continued aid to Ukraine and information about technological and logistical difficulties that could hinder the transfer of data. The Kremlin is paying close attention to these conflicting signals.
Against this backdrop, diplomatic relations are also becoming strained. In early October, US President Donald Trump announced the temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel to allow its supply to global markets. This move drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the agreement. In response, Trump voiced his displeasure with Zelenskyy, accusing the Ukrainian leader of being unwilling to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Rumours of a possible halt to the sharing of US intelligence with Ukraine emerged against the backdrop of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. However, in his speech on 13 October, Trump assured that the United States would continue to share intelligence with Kyiv and would work towards ending the war with both Ukraine and Russia. He also noted that both presidents — Zelenskyy and Putin — allegedly want to end the conflict but do not yet know how to do so. Trump expressed confidence that the US would be able to assist in this process.
Interestingly, a similar situation had already arisen in the past, in March 2025. At that time, the Trump administration temporarily suspended the exchange of intelligence with Ukraine following a dispute between the leaders of the two countries, but cooperation was successfully resumed following talks in Saudi Arabia.
Against this backdrop, Russia remains in a wait-and-see position, trying to understand how events will unfold and what consequences this may have for its relations with the US and Ukraine.