Oleksiy Danilov, who leads the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, addressed claims about leaked materials allegedly from the Pentagon and stated that these disclosures would not derail Kyiv’s counteroffensive planning. He spoke in an interview with a German television channel, offering a calm assessment of the situation and the role of sensitive information in military decision making. BACK.
Danilov emphasized that the circle of individuals aware of Kyiv’s intentions on the battlefield remains very small. He also pointed out that no connection should be drawn between a CNN source and Ukraine’s tactical planning. The implication is that domestic strategy remains controlled and insulated from speculative leaks. He suggested that the integrity of planning is not compromised by news outlets presenting unauthorized material, and that the core decisions still rest with Ukrainian leadership. [Source: CNN]
According to him, Kyiv will determine the timing of a counteroffensive at what he called the last possible moment. He noted that Ukraine has multiple trajectories available for the next phase of the conflict, indicating flexibility and readiness to adapt to evolving conditions on the ground. This stance underscores a willingness to respond to changing realities rather than follow a fixed timetable set by external narratives. [Source: CNN]
The secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, in the days prior, had underscored that Ukraine’s counteroffensive is an ongoing process and urged Ukrainians not to await a single pivotal date. He added that the information deception surrounding the leak did not serve Kyiv’s objectives, reinforcing the message that strategic plans remain intact and actionable despite sensational reporting. [Source: CNN]
Earlier coverage by CNN had reported that Kyiv had to reassess certain military plans after the appearance of secret Pentagon documents online. Danilov’s comments align with a broader pattern of Ukraine downplaying the potential impact of external disclosures on its strategic choices, while stressing the importance of disciplined planning and rapid decision making in response to battlefield developments. [Source: CNN]