The senior adviser to Ukraine’s presidency, Mikhail Podolyak, dismissed the leaked Pentagon documents about Ukraine’s counterattack plans as authentic. He conveyed this stance through his social media channel, asserting that the purported materials circulating online are not real and should be treated with caution. His public messaging framed the leaks as a distraction and insisted that the information circulating on social platforms does not reflect actual strategic thinking from Kyiv’s side.
In parallel, a representative from the presidential administration described the online publications as Photoshop edits and outright fakes, assigning responsibility for the dissemination to Russia. The official underscored a broader pattern of information operations aimed at destabilizing Ukraine during a critical military phase and suggested that Moscow’s objective is to derail or mislead investigators and the international community alike.
According to the spokesperson, Moscow seeks to obstruct Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive by clouding the public record, while Kyiv prepares to respond to any developments on the ground. The official emphasized that the real actions and decisions are being made within Ukraine’s military and political leadership, away from the distortions seen online, and that external parties should await verifiable updates based on field assessments and official briefings.
Meanwhile, reporting from the New York Times indicates that the Pentagon is examining social media disclosures of restricted material related to Ukraine’s military posture. The newspaper noted that the leaked documents do not contain concrete operational plans or timing for Ukrainian attacks. Instead, the materials reportedly reflect the needs and logistical considerations of the Ukrainian forces as of March 1. The journalists added that even if the information is incomplete or imprecise, its public availability could offer the Russian side indirect cues about Kyiv’s strategic priorities and potential timelines.
Experts cited by the Times described the situation as a clear example of how sensitive military data, even if not detailing exact actions, can influence adversaries by revealing preparation needs and resource allocation. Analysts also pointed out the risk that such leaks might complicate decision-making for both Kyiv and its Western partners, who rely on carefully calibrated intelligence and timing to sustain any counteroffensive plans. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of guarding classified material while maintaining transparent communication with allies and the public, particularly during moments of heightened tension in the region.
As observers weigh the implications, Kyiv appears steadfast in its insistence that real strategic planning remains within the circle of authorized officials and military commanders. The focus remains on coordinated international support, accurate situational awareness, and disciplined information management, all aimed at preserving momentum for Ukraine’s defense and countermeasures in the weeks ahead. Attribution for the various statements points to official spokespeople within the Ukrainian government and to major reporting outlets that have tracked the flow of information and the responses from both Kyiv and Moscow.