Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III received an unexpected call from his Russian counterpart earlier this month, marking a rare communication between the two officials. This conversation was initiated by the Russian Defense Minister, Andrei Belousov, who contacted Mr. Austin to discuss a concerning matter.
Alleged Ukrainian Covert Operation
During the call, Minister Belousov relayed a warning to Secretary Austin about a suspected Ukrainian covert operation against Russia. The Russian officials believed that this operation had tacit approval from the United States, prompting the inquiry to the Pentagon regarding their awareness of such a plot.
A Serious Concern
The Pentagon officials, taken aback by the allegation, were unaware of the purported plot. Nevertheless, the gravity of the situation led them to reach out to Ukrainian authorities promptly. The message conveyed to the Ukrainians emphasized caution and urged them to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions between the involved parties.
Challenges of Transparency
Despite the close ties between the United States and Ukraine in terms of military and diplomatic support, there are instances where Ukrainian military operations are not fully disclosed to American counterparts, especially those targeting Russian interests. This lack of transparency has posed challenges for U.S. officials, who question the effectiveness of such operations while also risking strain on international alliances and exacerbating the conflict.
