Tensions Surge as Russia Alleges Ukrainian Navy Day Attack Plot

Russia suspected that Ukraine planned an attack during the Navy Day parade attended by President Putin. Moscow expressed its concerns to Washington, leading to a response from U.S. officials. The New York Times reported that U.S. officials were surprised by the allegation but warned Ukraine against such an operation.

Russia harbored suspicions that Ukraine intended to launch an attack on Russia during the Navy Day parade, which President Vladimir Putin attended last month. Moscow communicated its concerns to Washington, Russian state television reported.

Russian television claimed that the details were classified and refrained from providing additional information. Ukraine's foreign ministry did not promptly respond to a request for comment. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that the concerns were significant enough for Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to reach out to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding the suspicions.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. According to The New York Times, Austin received a call from Belousov on July 12 about a covert Ukrainian operation purportedly sanctioned by the United States. Two unidentified U.S. officials cited by The Times revealed that Pentagon officials were taken aback by the Russian allegation and unaware of any such plot. Nonetheless, Washington advised Ukraine to avoid executing any such operation if planned.

(With inputs from agencies.)