Second Batch of Leaked US Documents Surface Online

Image copyright: Getty Images [via Time]

The Facts

  • A day after leaked military documents revealing US and NATO war planning in Ukraine surfaced online, a second batch was circulated on Friday — this time said to contain more than 100 documents revealing military secrets on Ukraine and additional areas of US interest, including China and the Middle East.

  • One senior US intelligence official, speaking to the New York Times, described the leaks as "a nightmare for the Five Eyes" — in reference to the intelligence sharing alliance between the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Russia is likely behind this leak of documents. They revealed Ukrainian fighting positions in areas of the country, as well as a range of damaging information on US operations across the globe. It's they who benefit most from the leaks.

Establishment-critical narrative

This leak, which the US Dept. of Defense acknowledged as authentic, now complicates the US-supported Ukrainian counteroffensive planned for this spring. Military planners will now need to reassess before launching the salvo.


Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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