Pentagon denied Ukraine to conduct a secret special operation in Russia - NYT

Since the full -scale invasion of Russia in Ukraine in February 2022, Austin spoke with the head of the Russian Federation only five times, almost always on the initiative of the Pentagon and often in an attempt to avoid escalation of conflict, writes The New York Times. Prior to that, the publication, Austin contacted the new Minister of Defense of Russia on June 25, in an attempt to save "communication lines open".

However, as of July 12, according to sources, Belousov called to report that the Russians allegedly learned about the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces against Russia, which, according to the Kremlin, was blessed by Americans, which could increase the tension between Moscow and Washington. Pentagon officials who did not know about any such operation were surprised by this accusation.

However, according to sources, the Americans contacted the Ukrainian side and warned of the inadmissibility of such operations. Despite Ukraine's deep dependence on the United States in terms of military, intelligence and diplomatic support, Ukrainian officials are not always frank with their American colleagues about their military operations, especially against Russian goals in the rear of the enemy, the newspaper writes.

Operations that have caused concern in the United States include a blow to the Russian air base on the west coast of Crimea, an explosion of a truck with a bomb, which resulted in a part of the bridge through the Kerch Strait, as well as drones of drones in Russia. These operations, writes, were disappointed by US officials who believe that they did not improve the situation of Ukraine on the battlefield, but at risk to repel European allies and expand the war.

Whether the Ukrainian "conspiracy" was real and what form it could take, it is unknown, notes The New York Times. Pentagon and White House officials refused to reveal the call details, but emphasized the need for dialogue between opponents. Ukrainian and Russian officials also refused comments, emphasizing journalists.