In a report based on over 100 interviews with high-ranking intelligence officials from several countries, it is claimed that the Ukrainian government was 'completely unprepared' for the impending Russian assault. The investigation reveals that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the U.S. warnings as panic for several months leading up to the invasion.

In the weeks just before February 24, 2022, mood shifts occurred among Ukraine's intelligence leaders, who began to appreciate the gravity of the situation. However, the political leadership of Ukraine continued to refuse acknowledgment of the threat, creating a disconnect between intelligence assessments and political awareness. This was highlighted by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who asserted that U.S. evidence was 'indisputable', contrasting with the skepticism expressed by Ukrainian partners towards these warnings.

The article underscores the intense pressure on Ukrainian leadership at the time, which prioritized avoiding panic among the population over acknowledging the imminent danger. This narrative reflects the complexity of the geopolitical situation and the challenges faced by Ukraine as it navigated external intelligence input and internal political dynamics, ultimately affecting its readiness for the Russian invasion.