Tulsi Gabbard stops sharing intelligence on Russia-Ukraine negotiations

In the United States, a directive was issued on July 20 by Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, halting the sharing of intelligence regarding the ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine with the Five Eyes partners, which include the U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This directive classified all related analyses as NOFORN, meaning they were not to be shared with foreign entities, thus limiting the scope of collaboration traditionally expected among allies. Although some information could still be shared if it had already been publicly released, the directive notably restricted inter-agency communication within U.S. intelligence organizations as well. The rationale behind this decision included concerns over securing sensitive intelligence and protecting national interests, especially given the current geopolitical landscape. Experts have pointed out that while occasional withholding of intelligence among the Five Eyes is normal, the recent cessation of sharing information may have broader implications. Observers warn that this could undermine trust among allies who have relied on open exchanges to form a collective understanding of global threats and strategies for negotiation. Furthermore, the impact of Gabbard's order on future diplomatic relations is a matter of contention. Critics suggest that it could chill collaboration and lead other partners to adopt similar practices in response. Such a scenario might result in critical dialogues occurring without U.S. input, impacting national security and collective decision-making. The lack of comprehensive sharing could inhibit the U.S. from fully understanding the dynamics of the conflict in Europe, where partners may possess valuable insights. As the situation evolves, the concerns about this directive's long-term effects on intelligence partnerships remain prominent, particularly in light of the established history of fruitful collaboration among Five Eyes members, aimed at countering common adversaries like Russia. Therefore, the directive not only halts the flow of information but also signals a shift in U.S. intelligence-sharing practices that could reverberate across international relations.