2023-11-13 07:30:18
Mark Galeotti, in an article for The Sunday Times entitled “Differences have emerged between Ukraine and Western spy agencies“, explores the complex dynamics between Ukraine and the US and UK intelligence agencies. Below is an excerpt from his article:
The article highlights that American and British intelligence agencies are concerned about the opacity of Ukraine’s plans, especially the strategy of launching attacks inside Russia. This concern was amplified by the killing of Mikhail Filiponenko, former head of the Luhansk People’s Militia, by car bomb. Ukrainian military intelligence claimed responsibility for this action, part of a campaign to convey the reality of the war to the Russians.
The United States and the United Kingdom actively supported Ukrainian intelligence services after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. While the European Union aimed to reform the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the United States and The United Kingdom concentrated their efforts on strengthening Kiev’s practical capabilities to counter Russian sabotage.
The United Kingdom, through the support programme of Operation Orbital, contributed to the development of the intelligence capabilities of the Ukrainian army. The United States has gone further, exchanging personnel, installing listening equipment and other support.
However, the newly acquired capabilities also enabled the Ukrainians to conduct offensive and not just espionage operations. The CIA expanded the GUR’s capabilities to monitor communications in Russian-controlled Donbass, while the SBU used them for targeted assassinations of pro-Russian leaders. Subsequently with the outbreak of a large-scale conflict in 2022, the situation worsened drastically.
Ukraine’s involvement in intelligence activities has taken on a crucial role for Western intelligence services, as Western intelligence officers they have fewer opportunities to travel to Russia. Conversely, British Foreign Office sources admit that at the same time there is a greater reliance on the Ukrainians for some intelligence information. Ultimately, the collaboration between the parties was described as close and fruitful.
However, a number of tensions emerge between Kiev and the West. Concerns include the lack of reforms in the SBU, despite the dismissal of the head of the SBU, Ivan Bakanov, and President Zelensky’s announcement of a purge of the department. Furthermore, doubts arise about the Ukrainian strategy of declaring war on Russia through attacks on political targets, a move that could have unforeseen consequences.
Ties fray between Ukraine and western spy agencies
US and UK security services fear Kyiv’s lack of transparency about its plans. Its strategy of launching attacks inside Russia could play into Putin’s hands
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) November 11, 2023
Furthermore, The Sunday Times reports that the Kremlin appears to be aware that the Ukrainians are acting in concert with the West, while some in the West fear that attacks within Russian borders could be interpreted as direct provocations, leading to a Russian reaction against the West.
Tensions also emerge on the political front, with the perception among Western politicians that Kiev is not sufficiently transparent in its plans and does not adequately respond to allies’ concerns. This is especially evident in the operations of the SBU and GUR, about which opinions in Western intelligence are mixed.
While the Western side has several reservations about the Ukrainian modus operandi, the opinion of the Ukrainian side is different, with a retired intelligence officer who argues that Western countries, which use drones to kill enemies on the other side of the world, cannot criticize Ukraine’s methods. The belief is that this is a fight for Ukraine’s survival, and allies should not limit their action.
Finally, The Sunday Times article reflects on the possibility that the West could reduce its military support for Ukraine, leading to a potential change in approach by Kiev. The challenge is balancing the need to win the war with the risk of provoking a Russian response that further draws the West into the conflict.
The intelligence sources consulted by the North American newspaper mention in particular the murder of Daria Dugina, dating back to August last year.
Previous confirmations from the Washington Post: Ukrainian terrorist attacks carried out under CIA training
The Washington Post had already confirmed that attacks on Russia, such as the bombing of the Crimean bridge, were assisted by the CIA.
Since 2015, the CIA has reportedly spent “tens of millions” training the Ukrainian SBU, paying for a new headquarters, surveillance systems, trained recruits, all while sharing intelligence information.
This CIA training was used in politically targeted assassinations, such as the one that killed Darya Dugina, and the Crimean bridge attack that killed five innocents including a driver who had no idea he had a bomb planted in his truck.
#Western #intelligence #helps #Kiev #doubts #targeted #killings