France Surpasses US as Ukraine's Top Intelligence Partner

French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a fundamental shift in Western military support for Ukraine, announcing that France has overtaken the United States as the primary provider of intelligence to Kyiv. In a New Year's speech to the French military, Macron stated that Paris now supplies an estimated two-thirds of Ukraine's intelligence needs.

This development marks a significant realignment in the dynamics of Western contributions to the war effort and suggests a potential scaling back of American intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. The announcement aligns with Macron's broader strategic vision to position France as a regional military leader while the Trump administration pursues policies aimed at reducing American involvement in European security matters.

In a clear and unambiguous statement delivered during his address to French military personnel, President Macron outlined the dramatic change in intelligence support. Two-thirds of Ukraine's intelligence now originates from French sources, representing a complete reversal from the previous year when Kyiv was overwhelmingly dependent on American intelligence capacity.

"Where Ukraine was overwhelmingly dependent on American intelligence capacity, a year ago, two-thirds is today provided by France. Two-thirds."

The French leader's comments indicate a substantial shift in the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict. While the precise methodology behind Macron's quantification remains unclear, the statement strongly suggests that the United States has significantly reduced its intelligence-sharing activities with Ukraine.

The declaration represents more than just a numerical change in intelligence provision. It signals France's growing confidence in its own intelligence capabilities and its willingness to take a more prominent role in European security affairs. This shift occurs against the backdrop of the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.

The current situation follows a period of uncertainty in US-Ukrainian intelligence relations. In March 2025, the Trump administration briefly suspended both intelligence-sharing and military aid to Ukraine as part of negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow. Although Washington lifted this suspension after approximately one week, questions have persisted regarding the extent of ongoing intelligence cooperation.

During the previous administration, intelligence-sharing between the United States and Ukraine had reached unprecedented levels of integration. According to reports, officials from both countries worked in the same facility to coordinate military strikes, with American intelligence providing critical targeting data and situational awareness for Ukrainian troops. This support was particularly vital when Ukrainian forces utilized American-made military systems for attacks.

The Pentagon has not provided clarification on whether intelligence-sharing has returned to pre-suspension levels. Similarly, the Élysée Palace and French defense ministry declined to comment on Macron's remarks outside regular business hours, while Ukraine's defense ministry also offered no immediate response to inquiries about the intelligence shift.

Macron's intelligence-sharing announcement represents a cornerstone of France's broader strategic positioning in European security. The French president has consistently advocated for a more autonomous European defense capability, and this development provides tangible evidence of Paris's growing military leadership role.

The shift occurs as the Trump administration actively seeks to reduce American involvement in European security matters. President Trump's recent allusions to potential US territorial expansion, including references to taking over the Danish territory of Greenland, have further unsettled European leaders and intensified questions about America's commitment to traditional alliances.

France's enhanced intelligence role aligns with its broader efforts to support Ukraine's military reconstruction and provide security guarantees for a potential ceasefire. Macron emphasized that France has been instrumental in helping Ukraine rebuild its forces and has committed to providing long-term security assurances.

• France now provides two-thirds of Ukraine's intelligence needs
• US intelligence-sharing has potentially scaled back since March 2025
• France positioning itself as Europe's regional military leader
• European NATO members forming multinational force for Ukraine

The intelligence-sharing shift coincides with broader changes in European security arrangements. Last week, European NATO members and the United States issued a joint declaration outlining plans for a multinational, European-led force to provide "reassurances" to Ukraine and deter potential future Russian aggression.

This European-led initiative represents a significant evolution in the continent's defense posture, moving toward greater strategic autonomy while maintaining transatlantic cooperation. The force aims to prevent a second Russian invasion or attack on Ukrainian territory, providing a security backstop in the event of a ceasefire agreement.

Macron's statement that France is prepared to sustain resistance efforts and deter new aggressions reflects this broader European commitment. The French president's vision extends beyond immediate military support to encompass long-term security guarantees and the maintenance of peace on European soil.

"The signal sent to our Ukrainian partners, to other Europeans, and to the world is that we are ready. We are ready to sustain this effort of resistance. We are ready to deter new aggressions or to maintain peace on our soil."

The intelligence-sharing realignment between France and Ukraine represents a defining moment in European security architecture. As France assumes a more prominent role in intelligence provision, questions remain about the precise nature of this support and its long-term sustainability.

Key uncertainties include the exact scope of Macron's "two-thirds" claim—whether it refers to intelligence provided by foreign partners or all intelligence used by Ukrainian forces—and whether the United States will further adjust its intelligence-sharing policies. The Pentagon's silence on these matters leaves room for speculation about the future trajectory of American involvement.

What remains clear is that France has successfully positioned itself at the forefront of European military leadership. Macron's declaration, combined with the formation of a European-led reassurance force, signals a fundamental shift toward greater European strategic autonomy. As the conflict continues, the effectiveness of France's intelligence support and the broader implications for transatlantic security relations will be closely watched by policymakers and analysts worldwide.