Russia proposed deal to US on ending support for Iran and Ukraine, Politico says
Russia proposed a deal to the United States under which the Kremlin would stop sharing intelligence with Iran if Washington halted intelligence support to Ukraine.
Source: Politico, citing sources, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Two people familiar with the talks between the US and Russia said that Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, put forward the proposal to US President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during a meeting in Miami last week.
The US rejected the proposal, the sources added.
Politico notes that the very existence of such an offer has raised concerns among European diplomats, who fear that Moscow is attempting to drive a wedge between Europe and the US at a critical moment for transatlantic relations.
One EU diplomat described the Russian proposal as "outrageous".
Another source said Russia has put forward various proposals to the US regarding Iran, but all of them have been rejected by the Americans.
One European diplomat sought to downplay the risk posed by the Russian proposal, noting that French President Emmanuel Macron stated in January that "two-thirds" of military intelligence for Ukraine is now provided by France.
Nevertheless, intelligence-sharing remains a last significant pillar of US support for Ukraine after the Trump administration cut most of its financial and military aid last year.
Background:
- Trump recently refused to answer a journalist who asked whether Russia could be providing assistance to Iran, saying it was a "stupid question".
- Witkoff said he has received assurances from Moscow that Russia is not sharing intelligence with Iran.
- However, UK Defence Secretary John Healey has suggested that Iran has adopted Russian tactics in its use of Shahed drones, which are now targeting US and allied facilities in the Middle East.
- The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Russia has expanded intelligence-sharing and military cooperation with Iran amid the conflict in the Middle East.
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