The article outlines how U.S. and British intelligence uncovered Russia's plans for an invasion of Ukraine, detailing the timeline and key figures involved.
The article provides an overview of the intelligence operations that led to the revelation of Russia's intentions to invade Ukraine. It begins by detailing when and how U.S. and British intelligence agencies first became aware of Russia's military preparations, noting that initial alerts started as early as April 2021. It highlights that European officials were skeptical of the intelligence reports even in November 2021, showing a significant delay in understanding the gravity of the situation.
It goes on to discuss the pivotal moments and decisions, including Vladimir Putin’s eventual commitment to the invasion and the influence of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. The intelligence community reportedly had a comprehensive understanding of the invasion scenario six weeks before the actual attack, with their insights prompting efforts to prepare for a potential worst-case scenario. This deep dive into the intelligence backdrop emphasizes the complexities and challenges faced by European and American officials in grappling with the threat posed by Russia.
The article also briefly touches on the current battlefield developments, particularly Russian advances toward Sloviansk, as well as cultural responses such as U2's release of a song dedicated to Ukraine. With the anniversary of the war approaching on February 24, the urgency of the situation is reiterated, reminding readers of the ongoing human and geopolitical impacts of the conflict.
