DOJ investigating possible leak of Ukrainian aid documents
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating an apparent leak of classified war documents relating to plans by the United States and NATO to support Ukraine's fight against Russia, Pentagon officials said Friday.
The documents were reportedly leaked from the Department of Defense (DOD) in recent weeks, and were posted on numerous social media sites. The files reportedly "contain classified information on topics ranging from the mercenary Wagner Group's operations in Africa and Israel's pathways to providing lethal aid to Ukraine, to intelligence about the United Arab Emirates' ties to Russia and South Korean concerns about providing ammunition to the U.S. for use in Ukraine," according to CNN.
The latest batch of documents, discovered Friday, were printed-out photos that contained top-secret markings, CNN added. In addition, The New York Times reported that the documents appeared to have been at least slightly modified to overstate estimates of both Ukrainian and Russian casualties from the war, and also revealed previously classified information.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
For instance, the documents mentioned Ukraine's expenditure rate of American-supplied rocket systems, the Times reported, a figure that has not been publicly released.
The DOJ told CNN that it had "been in communication with the Department of Defense related to this matter and have begun an investigation," but would not comment further. In a separate statement to The Hill, though, Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, said the DOD was "actively reviewing the matter, and has made a formal referral to the Department of Justice for investigation."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly addressed the leaks during a meeting with his senior staff on Friday. This meeting, among other things, "focused on measures to prevent the leakage of information regarding the plans of the defense forces of Ukraine," Zelensky's office said in a press release.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?
The Explainer The future is flooded
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issues
In the Spotlight The pilot's union listed 'problematic trends' they say are affecting the airline's fleet
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visit
The Week Recommends These institutions provide insight into American leaders
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi air strikes: why wasn't Parliament consulted?
Today's Big Question It is convention for prime ministers to put military action to a vote but it's not a constitutional requirement
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
How Islamic State bombings in Iran could escalate regional war
The Explainer Terrorist group claims responsibility for deadly blasts on 'irredeemable foe' but Tehran likely to ramp up anti-US rhetoric
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published