Ukraine Alters Military Plans in Wake of Pentagon Leaks

Image copyright: Getty Images [via the Washington Post]

The Facts

  • In the wake of classified US documents being leaked and circulated on the internet in the past several days, Ukraine has modified some of its war plans, a source close to Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CNN on Monday.

  • The documents divulged perceived areas of Ukrainian vulnerability and weakness, including shortages in weaponry and ammunition as well as scarcity in air defense coverage over certain regions. The leaks also detailed the sizes and locations of troop deployments and their combat readiness, in addition to what weapons and training they were due to receive.


The Spin

Narrative A

While it's understood that the US has one of the most sophisticated intelligence apparatuses in the world, the leaked documents provide a rare glimpse into how the country spies on its allies and foes alike. The revelations are likely to anger some of its closest partners at a time when cohesion is badly needed.

Narrative B

While the leaks may show some accurate information, this bears the hallmarks of an American disinformation operation. This release was created to prompt confusion among Russian ranks ahead of Ukraine's plans to launch a spring counteroffensive.


Metaculus Prediction


Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!