Spy agencies quiet on reported US blocking of Five Eyes intel sharing

Monday, 25 August 2025, 6:46 pm
Article: RNZ

The country's spy agencies are refusing to say if they have been blocked by the Trump Administration from getting intelligence about the Ukraine-Russia peace process.

US network CBS at the weekend reported a secret memo went out several weeks ago from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, to US agencies, not to share the info with members of the Five Eyes.

It quoted unnamed intelligence officials.

Later, Gabbard's office said this was not the case.

New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence group, with the US, Australia, Canada and the UK.

"We do not discuss decisions that may or may not be taken by our international partners about intelligence sharing with New Zealand, or communications about that intelligence," the agencies told RNZ on Monday afternoon.

The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska did not produce a deal.

However, US Vice-President JD Vance said Russia had made significant concessions towards a Ukraine peace deal.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ