**US Still Sharing Intelligence with Ukraine for Defense**
The US has never stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine that is needed for defensive purposes, according to Steve Witkoff, the US President’s special envoy for the Middle East. This confirmation came on March 10 through an interview with Fox News.
Witkoff’s comments seem to support earlier claims in the media about the US not extending its freeze on intelligence sharing with Ukraine to information needed for defense operations. However, restrictions on intelligence that would enable Ukraine to strike Russian targets remain in place.
**Talks Between US and Ukraine This Week**
The issue will be discussed at talks between the US and Ukraine in Jeddah on March 11, Witkoff said before leaving for Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration restricted intelligence sharing with Ukraine after freezing all US military assistance flowing to the country.
Witkoff stated that the US hopes for significant progress with Ukraine this week, which could include the signing of a natural resources deal that has been on hold since a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House on February 28.
**Ukraine Aims to Convince US to Lift Pause**
A Ukrainian delegation hopes to convince the US to lift its pause on military and intelligence support. They aim to pitch a plan for a partial ceasefire in the air and sea, according to the Financial Times. In return, the US wants to assess whether Ukraine is ready for a “realistic peace,” as reported by Reuters.
**Russia’s Humanitarian Crisis**
Russia’s humanitarian crisis worsens as Chinese car exports to Russia surge sevenfold in 2023 compared to 2022. This comes after Western sanctions cut Russia off from brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, and BMW.
**Ukraine’s Air Defense System**
The US has officially canceled 83% of USAID programs, with the remaining contracts to be administered by the State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 10. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 130 out of 176 drones launched overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones.
**DNA Research Reveals Ancient Link**
New DNA research led by David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School, reveals that half of the human beings alive today are descended from the Yamnaya, who lived in what is now Ukraine 5,000 years ago.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
