Report: CIA Maintains 12 Secret Bases in Ukraine

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Facts

  • As the Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year over the weekend, the New York Times reported that the CIA has maintained at least 12 secret bases in Ukraine — all of them established prior to the Russian invasion.1
  • According to the report, the bases date back to February 24, 2014 — eight years to the day from the start of the recent conflict when Ukrainian Pres. Viktor Yanukovych, who wished to maintain closer ties with the Kremlin, was undemocratically ousted from power and replaced by a pro-EU government.1
  • At first, according to the Times' sources, the CIA was distrustful of its Ukrainian counterparts and, under the administration of then-US Pres. Barack Obama, were ordered not to provide aid that would contribute to lethal operations. The decision was made in order to avoid provoking Russia, it was reported.2
  • Despite reports of his affinity for Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin, the partnership with Ukraine grew following Donald Trump's election as US President in 2016, including the CIA sending Ukraine more sophisticated spying equipment. The Times said this was down to Trump appointing Russia hawks Mike Pompeo and John Bolton to key positions in his administration.2
  • Once Joe Biden came into power and the conflict subsequently began in 2022, the relationship took on a new dimension. The Times reported: 'The old handcuffs were off, and the Biden White House authorized spy agencies to provide intelligence support for lethal operations against Russian forces on Ukrainian soil.'3
  • Amid the stalling of military aid for Ukraine in the US Congress, the Times has further reported that current CIA director William Burns last week made a 10th secret visit to Kyiv in order to reassure its leaders that US support for the country would stay consistent.3

Sources: 1New York Times, 2Euromaidan Press and 3Ukrainska Pravda.

Narratives

  • Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by Ukrainska Pravda. America has been in close partnership with Kyiv throughout this conflict. At a time when many Ukrainians are wondering if the nation will turn its back on the fight against Russian expansionism, it is reassuring that ongoing links with the CIA and explicit commentary from its director have reaffirmed that aid isn't going anywhere.
  • Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. Russia has long known about CIA operations in Ukraine and these latest public revelations are nothing new. In fact, the CIA's operations in Ukraine go back prior to 2014 and are a key reason for this conflict starting in the first place. Clearly the West has long been entrenching its interests in the nation, undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and forcing Moscow to defensively drive potential threats out of its neighboring country.

Predictions