Russia's Suspicion: Ukraine's Alleged Navy Day Attack Plans

Russia suspected that Ukraine planned an attack during the Navy Day parade attended by President Putin. Moscow contacted Washington, which took the concerns seriously enough to caution Kyiv. Russian state television reported the matter but provided no detailed information.

Russia had suspicions that Ukraine planned to attack Russia during the Navy Day parade, attended by President Vladimir Putin last month, and Moscow contacted Washington about its concerns, as reported by Russian state television.

Russian television stated the specifics were state secrets, and no additional details were given. It quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who said that Defence Minister Andrei Belousov was sufficiently alarmed to reach out to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the concerns.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The New York Times claimed that Austin received a call from Belousov on July 12 regarding a covert Ukrainian operation that Moscow believed had U.S. approval. Two unidentified U.S. officials told The Times that Pentagon officials were surprised by the allegation and unaware of such a plot. However, the concerns led Washington to warn Kyiv against proceeding with any such operation.