“We don’t know who’s behind this, we don’t know what the purpose is, we don’t know if there’s more material.” John KirbyA Pentagon spokesman had to openly admit in recent hours that US authorities now have more questions than answers about the most important leak of classified documents since the US era. WikiLeaks And Edward Snowdenten years ago.
Hundreds of reports classified as “secret” or “top secret” have been published on social networks in recent days and include everything from maps to classified information. ukraine war even staggering political assessments Israel flow. However, as the journalist evaluated david e sanger inside New York Times, There is something radically different about this unauthorized distribution of classified material: “the data disclosed is less comprehensive, but much more up-to-date” in terms of the political moment when a war like that in Ukraine raged. Also, it is a very new material, in some cases only 40 days ago.
What documents were leaked?
The most important package of documents, ukraine war: military maps, delivery related graphics military equipmenttroop deployments, strengths and weaknesses of the Kiev Army. In some cases, Washington’s concern is even detailed about the possibility that the Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense will soon run out of ammo and fulfill Moscow’s long-held aspiration. since the beginning of the conflict: dominance of Ukrainian airspace with potential to change significantly course of the war. Estimates are also included military losses Both sides estimate that when they are broadcast on pro-Russian channels, they are changed in favor of the Kremlin, minimizing their own losses and increasing the losses of the enemy. However, there are other documents that refer to US pressure. South Korea About supplying ammunition to Ukraine and even the possible role of the Israeli secret service Mossad in the protests against Benjamin Netanyahu. Overall, the documents highlight the decisive role Washington played. “daily” In the Ukrainian war to support Kiev.
Who is the author of the leak?
Currently, there is little certainty regarding authorship. It is not a hack performed by some. hacker group Many of the documents with ties to the Kremlin were photographed before they were distributed, leading investigators to conclude: material writer The source of the leak is an insider with access to this information. Investigations can progress quickly by using procedures that leave marks on images, such as IP addresses or dates. Given the breadth of topics covered in the leaked documents, observers do not see any great political intent in the incident, unlike what happens in US-led unauthorized broadcasts. Julian Assange and by Edward Snowden ten years ago.
Ukraine and Russia made mutual accusations. intellectual writer Although everything about the incident is up in the air for now. But if it is finally confirmed that the Russian secret services are responsible for the leak, it will be a bullet in our foot. “The leaks are bad for Putin, maybe even more than us,” said Douglas London, a retired CIA agent, professor at Georgetown University and author of the book. EmployerMemoirs as head of counterintelligence in South Asia. The documents “detail the losses, incompetence and weaknesses that Putin wants to hide from both his own people and his adversaries.” To prevent all this from being made public, Russian intelligence had to disseminate “manipulated versions of its losses”, manipulations that were carried out “crudely” and “spread quickly without proper scrutiny,” according to the academic notes.
What are the short-term and long-term effects of the leak?
The first victim is undoubtedly the United States and its intelligence services, whose secrets are once again exposed and their credibility in handling and preserving classified material is questioned by their allies. “A terrible robbery; (Edward) snowman and (Chelsea) manning (Author of WikiLeaks leaks) were also the first to show in a message how easy it is for EL PERIÓDICO to steal and leak information on a large scale, “undermining our faith in our military and intelligence community.” John Sipher, a former CIA official who has been a member of the agency’s black operations unit for 28 years, has emerged only with data limiting the damage done by the retired operator. military summaries; the most sensitive intelligence material is not included in such documents; The most sensitive intelligence is transmitted briefings and only included in documents they have access to senior officials“, to continue.
Sipher confirms that for Ukraine, which is about to launch a counterattack against the Russian invaders, “the (infiltration) timing is dire.” However, as can be understood from the leaked documents, the finding that the US is also spying on the allies will have a minimal impact on relations with the allies. “We all know we’re spying on each other; a leak is embarrassing for the public, but it doesn’t hurt diplomatic relations,” says one former agent, who prefers to remain anonymous.