Ukraine War: The Pentagon is investigating a leak of classified information
The Pentagon is trying to identify the source of the leaks on social media networks of some classified documents that detail the plans of the US and NATO allies regarding the consolidation of the Ukrainian offensive in the face of the Russian invasion. The Pentagon is “analyzing” the publication of these documents on the social media platforms Twitter and Telegram, as The New York Times revealed Thursday. “We are aware of media reports regarding the social media posts, and the department is reviewing the matter,” said a spokeswoman for the US Department of Defense, Sabrina Singh. Officials of the American government told the press that they are working to remove the respective content from the platforms, but that it has not been successful yet.
These documents, which date from the beginning of March, according to the American newspaper, mention, for example, the rate at which the Ukrainian forces use the crucial ammunition for the Himars mobile missile launcher, the schedule of arms deliveries, or the training offered by the West to Ukrainian soldiers. The leaked documents, according to the NYT, contain tables of future arms deliveries, data on the number of troops and battalions, as well as military plans. One of the published documents includes a table with a list detailing Ukrainian troop units, as well as their equipment and training, with calendars from January to April. The documents, posted on Twitter and Telegram, appear authentic, according to experts cited by the NYT, but some of them are believed to have been altered to present Russia’s situation in a more favorable light, particularly by downplaying the extent of the losses suffered. Thus, one of them reveals that Russia lost between 16,000 and 17,500 soldiers, while Ukraine would have lost 71,500, notes the Ukrainian publication Glavred, citing the American newspaper. The Pentagon estimates that the Russian Federation suffered much higher losses and that approximately 200,000 soldiers from each camp were killed or wounded. These documents also provide information on 12 Ukrainian brigades under training, nine of which are said to be trained and supplied by the US and NATO allies.
The documents do not contain concrete plans for future Ukrainian military operations, including how, when, and where Ukraine intends to launch its counteroffensive. However, the documents, for example, mention the needs of the Ukrainian military as of March 1, according to Gravred. Washington on Tuesday announced a new $2.6 billion aid package for Ukraine, which includes additional ammunition for the Patriot air defense system and NASAMS. This new tranche of aid includes ten laser-guided missile systems, three video surveillance radars, missile launchers, Javelin anti-tank missile systems, and four logistical support vehicles. On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new aid, saying it was exactly what his country needed. Ukrainian military experts have stressed the importance of Ukraine receiving the ammunition it needs in time for the planned spring counter-offensive to have a chance of success.
By Roberto Caseli
