U.S. Raps Russia Plot For False Flag Operation In Ukraine

The US accused Russia of sending saboteurs into Ukraine to stage “a false-flag operation” as a pretext for Moscow to invade, Remy Tumin reported for the New York Times.

Photo Insert: Russian helicopters flying in formation

One official cited a mix of intercepted communications and observations showing that “the Russian military plans to begin these activities several weeks before a military invasion, which could begin between mid-January and mid-February.”

The release was part of an American strategy to head off an attack by Russia. But without disclosing evidence, the US opens itself up to charges that it is fabricating evidence. In past years, Russia has recalled the deeply flawed intelligence case that the US built for invading Iraq.

The accusation came after a week of diplomatic encounters with Russia in an effort to de-escalate the confrontation. For years, US officials have tiptoed around the question of how much military support to provide to Ukraine. That may be changing.

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