Russia suspected that Ukraine was planning an attack during the Navy Day parade last month, which President Vladimir Putin attended. Russian state television reported that Moscow reached out to Washington regarding these concerns. The details of this communication remain classified, and further information was not disclosed.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov indicated that the suspicions were severe enough for Defence Minister Andrei Belousov to contact US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. This interaction highlights the level of concern within the Russian government regarding the alleged plot.
US Response and Verification
Reuters was unable to verify the report immediately. However, The New York Times reported that Austin received a call from Belousov on July 12. The call pertained to a covert Ukrainian operation that Russia believed had US approval.
According to the Times, two unidentified US officials stated that Pentagon officials were surprised by the Russian allegation and were not aware of any such plot. Despite this, the concerns were significant enough for Washington to contact Ukraine. The US cautioned Kyiv against proceeding if such an operation was indeed planned.
Diplomatic Tensions and Security Concerns
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and mistrust between Russia, Ukraine, and the US. The exchange reflects the fragile state of international relations and the high stakes involved in military and diplomatic communications.
While the veracity of the alleged plot remains unconfirmed, the situation highlights the importance of transparent and open channels of communication to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
