Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shed light on the decision to keep preparations for a military operation in Russia’s Kursk region confidential, even from key international allies. Zelensky stated that the move was crucial to avoid leaks to Russian intelligence, which he described as being “everywhere.”
He noted Ukrainian intelligence, along with information from the US, EU, and UK, indicated that Russia was planning an attack on Ukraine’s Sumy region after failing to occupy Kharkiv. In response, Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi made the strategic decision to launch a preemptive operation in Kursk.
“We needed to act swiftly and in complete secrecy,” Zelensky said.
“This wasn’t about a lack of trust in our partners, but about the ever-present threat of Russian intelligence.”
The operation was a success, helping Ukraine defend the Sumy region from the anticipated Russian assault.
