U.S. officials have concluded that an assassination attempt on President Vladimir Putin of Russia during a drone attack on the Kremlin earlier this month and a bombing targeting the Nord Stream pipelines were both carried out by Ukraine. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that U.S. intelligence agencies have reached the preliminary assessment based on intercepted communications, where Russian officials blamed Ukraine for the attacks, while some Ukrainian officials hinted at their country’s involvement. The U.S. government perceives these operations as potential distractions from the ongoing fight against Russian forces in southern and eastern Ukraine. These covert operations conducted by Ukrainian units aim to penetrate deep into Russia, boost Ukrainian morale, and challenge President Vladimir Putin’s aura of invulnerability. The Ukrainian government sets broad parameters for these operations, leaving the decision-making on targets to the security services and operatives.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 24, 2023 20:43 UTC