Some of Washington’s closest allies are weighing restrictions on intelligence sharing with the United States, citing concerns over the Trump administration’s deepening ties with Russia.
According to four sources cited by NBC News, countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance—comprising the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—are reassessing security protocols to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
For decades, intelligence cooperation between the U.S. and its partners has been a cornerstone of global security. During the Cold War, these networks helped counter the Soviet Union, while in recent decades, they played a central role in the fight against terrorism. Now, uncertainty over U.S. foreign policy threatens to strain these long-standing relationships.
Recent Republican decisions—including suspending intelligence assistance to Ukraine and reportedly easing pressure on the Kremlin’s cyber operations—have fueled anxiety among Western nations. Some former U.S. officials warn that “the land of the Tsars may no longer be considered a top threat,” which could lead the White House to scale back intelligence gathering on Moscow.
Trump administration officials and GOP figures defend the shift, arguing that it is part of a broader strategy to bring Russia to the negotiating table and stabilize Europe. Despite reassurances, skepticism toward Vladimir Putin remains high.
Publicly, major allies downplay the concerns. The United Kingdom insists its intelligence partnership with the U.S. remains “strong,” while Canada describes its relationship with Washington as “resilient and strategic.” Israel has also reaffirmed that its cooperation with the U.S. is “stronger than ever.”
However, behind closed doors, unease lingers. Some governments are reportedly considering limiting access to intelligence derived from human sources or altering communication channels with the White House.
One of the most sensitive issues revolves around cybersecurity. The Trump administration has suspended certain offensive cyber operations and has notably omitted Russia from its list of top digital threats, instead focusing on China and Iran.
This shift raises questions about whether an unofficial understanding exists between Washington and the Kremlin to de-escalate cyber tensions. Experts warn, however, that Russia remains a global hub for hackers and cybercriminals, who conduct ransomware attacks causing billions in damages to Western institutions and corporations each year.
Historically, multiple U.S. presidents have attempted to “reset” relations with Moscow. Yet past experiences suggest that intelligence-sharing agreements with Russia have rarely yielded lasting success.
