Nestled deep within a dense Ukrainian forest lies a military base that appears abandoned and destroyed, a casualty of Russian missile strikes early in the war. But beneath the surface, a secret underground bunker serves as a nerve center for Ukraine’s military operations.
This underground bunker, built to replace the destroyed command center, is where teams of Ukrainian soldiers track Russian spy satellites and eavesdrop on conversations between Russian commanders. It is here that the base’s secret is revealed – it is almost fully financed, and partly equipped, by the C.I.A.
General Serhii Dvoretskiy, a top intelligence commander, confirmed in an interview that the C.I.A. provides 110% of the base’s funding. This partnership between Washington and Kyiv has been instrumental in Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
The C.I.A.-supported network of spy bases along the Russian border, including the listening post in the Ukrainian forest, has been collecting intercepts and intelligence for years. The partnership between the two countries dates back a decade, evolving under three U.S. presidents and overcoming initial mutual distrust to become a crucial alliance against the Kremlin.
As Russia continues its offensive and Ukraine relies more on sabotage and long-range missile strikes, these intelligence networks have become increasingly vital. However, if military funding to Kyiv is cut, the C.I.A. may be forced to scale back its operations.
William J. Burns, the C.I.A. director, recently made a secret visit to Ukraine to reassure leaders of continued support. The partnership between the C.I.A. and Ukrainian intelligence agencies has been a key factor in Ukraine’s transformation into an intelligence-gathering hub against Russia.
Despite initial caution from U.S. officials, the partnership deepened over the years as Ukrainian spies provided valuable intelligence on Russian activities. The Ukrainians even engaged in lethal operations, testing Washington’s limits but ultimately solidifying the relationship.
The untold story of this intelligence partnership reveals how it began in the aftermath of political upheaval in Ukraine, with a fragile pro-Western government seeking help from the C.I.A. and MI6. The partnership, born out of necessity, has since evolved into a crucial alliance in the face of Russian aggression.