Pentagon reviewing leak of classified military documents on war in Ukraine
Classified military documents regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine have leaked online, U.S. government officials confirmed.
Documents from the military containing sensitive information concerning U.S. and NATO material support of the Ukrainian military for the fight against Russia began appearing on Twitter and Telegram.
“We are aware of the reports of social media posts, and the Department is reviewing the matter,” said Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary.
Analysts have claimed the documents appear at least slightly doctored, exaggerating Ukrainian casualties and downplaying Russian losses.
The military information appeared as a series of photographs capturing a view of different logistical maps and charts. Data shown relates to such things as weapons deliveries and accounting of soldiers.
Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, dismissed the leak as inconsequential Russian disinformation games.
“The published data are related exclusively to the information and operational game that the Russians started in order to introduce confusion, seize the initiative and discredit the very idea of offensive. It is obvious,” said Podolyak.
“Firstly, by gaining access to real plans, you will not publicly admit it. To prepare in secret counter activities. And therefore, secondly, it is possible to organize a ‘drain’ of fictitious data only within the framework of a special informational counter-game,” he added.
No information on battle strategies or the timeframes for offensive movements appears in the leak.
The leaked documents are also over a month old, from around March 1.
“There is not the slightest doubt that this is another element of the hybrid component of the war. Russia is trying to influence Ukrainian society with information and sow fear, panic, distrust, and doubt. Very typical behavior,” Podolyak continued.
“Firstly, by gaining access to real plans, you will not publicly admit it. To prepare in secret counter activities. And therefore, secondly, it is possible to organize a ‘drain’ of fictitious data only within the framework of a special informational counter-game,” he added.
