ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
International relations

U.S. accuses Russia of planning 'false-flag operation' in eastern Ukraine

Claim follows cyber attack on government websites and faltering diplomatic efforts to defuse crisis

A Ukrainian sailor uses equipment on board an armored gunboat on Jan. 12.   © Reuters

KYIV/BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON (Financial Times) -- The US has accused Russia of planning covert operations, including sabotage, in eastern Ukraine in an effort to create a "pretext for invasion", after diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis faltered and government websites were hit by a major cyber attack.

A US official said on Friday: "We have information that indicates Russia has already pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct a false-flag operation in eastern Ukraine. The operatives are trained in urban warfare and in using explosives to carry out acts of sabotage against Russia's own proxy-forces."

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more