Moscow offered the United States a deal under whichThe Kremlin would stop providing Iran with intelligence information, such as the precise coordinates of U.S. military facilities in the Middle East, if Washington stops providing intelligence to Ukraine about Russia.
Two sources familiar with the course of U.S.-Russian negotiations say that such a proposal was made by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev to Trump administration representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during their meeting last week in Miami.
Europe concerned about 'scandalous' proposal
The United States rejected this proposal, as stated by the interlocutors who, like all other officials quoted in this article, spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks.
Still the very existence of such a proposal has caused concern among European diplomatswho fear that Moscow is trying to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States at a key moment in transatlantic relations.
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US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with allies' refusal to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday, he sharply criticized NATO allies, calling them “cowards” and adding: “WE WILL REMEMBER!”
The White House declined to comment and the Russian embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.
One European Union diplomat called the Russian proposal “scandalous.” The suggested deal is likely to deepen growing suspicions in Europe that Witkoff's meetings with Dmitriev do not bring any real progress regarding peace in Ukraine, but Moscow sees it as an opportunity to draw Washington into a bilateral arrangement in which Europe will be sidelined.
On Thursday, the Kremlin announced that peace talks on Ukraine conducted with the participation of the United States had been “suspended.”
“He probably thinks we are helping Ukraine”
Russia has submitted various proposals regarding Iran to the United States, all of which have been rejected, according to another source familiar with the talks. According to him, the US also rejected the proposal to transfer Iranian enriched uranium to Russia, which was first reported by Axios.
Since the beginning of the war, Russia has increased intelligence and military cooperation with Iran, a person familiar with the intelligence said. “The Wall Street Journal” was the first to report on the increased cooperation, writing that Moscow gives Tehran satellite imagery and drone technologyto make it easier to attack American forces in the region. The Kremlin called this article “fake news.”
Massoud Pezeshkian, president of Iran, and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia. Tianjin, September 1, 2025EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL / PAP
Trump suggested a link between Russia's intelligence cooperation with Iran and support for Ukraine during a recent interview on Fox News, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin “may be helping a little bit.” [Iranowi]but he probably thinks that we are helping Ukraine, right?
The United States continues to share intelligence with Ukraine even as it reduces other types of support. Washington briefly halted the sharing of this data last year after a disastrous Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sudden interruption of intelligence cooperation caused chaos among the allies and revealed serious tensions in cooperation with Kiev.
One of the European diplomats tried to downplay the threat posed by the Russian proposal, emphasizing that French President Emmanuel Macron had already stated in January that “two-thirds” of military intelligence for Ukraine now comes from France.
Nevertheless, intelligence cooperation remains one of the last key pillars of U.S. support for Ukraine after the Trump administration ended most financial and military aid to Kiev last year. Washington still supplies Ukraine with weapons, but as part of the NATO program in which Allies pay the United States for weapons. However, supplies of key air defense ammunition are at risk due to the US and Israel's war with Iran.
Recently, the Trump administration decided to ease sanctions on Russian oil to ease pressure on fuel markets. This decision sparked serious concerns and criticism from European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
