Russia likely behind leaks of classified documents on Ukraine war: Report
Mike Brest
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Russia or a pro-Russian entity is likely behind the release of classified U.S. documents pertaining to the war in Ukraine on social media.
The released documents, some of which appear to be altered, include maps and charts of Ukraine where troops are concentrated and what weapons are available to them, the New York Times reported on Friday.
PENTAGON ‘REVIEWING’ LEAK OF CLASSIFIED UKRAINE WAR DOCUMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Three anonymous U.S. officials pointed the finger at Russia or a group backing them, though they specified that this was an informal opinion and not the results of an investigation, which is underway, according to Reuters.
“We are aware of the reports of social media posts, and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, said.
Military analysts believe the documents appear legitimate, but they think the original versions were likely altered in some places, specifically in one case: the number of Russian casualties. A chart that was released said Ukraine’s death toll was believed to be around 71,000, a figure considered plausible, but it lists the Russian fatalities at 16,000 to 17,500, which is believed to be exponentially greater.
Comparatively, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told lawmakers in late March that the United States assesses that “the Russians have well over 200,000 casualties.”
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak also said the leak appeared to be a Russian disinformation operation.
“These are just standard elements of operational games by Russian intelligence. And nothing more. Russia is looking for any ways to seize back the initiative. To try to influence the scenarios for Ukraine’s counteroffensive plans,” Podolyak told Reuters.
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The document leak comes in the lead-up to a much-anticipated Ukrainian military offensive that is expected to occur in the coming weeks, though it doesn’t appear that any of the leaked documents contain any key details regarding those plans.
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine with the intent of overthrowing Kyiv’s government, but the country was unsuccessful in the beginning. After failing to take Kyiv, Russia decided to refocus its attention specifically on the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, and the fighting has now turned into grinding trench warfare.