British Forces Aided CIA in Covert Ukraine War Operations
British commandos played a crucial role in escorting Ukrainian generals out of Kyiv to a secretive war room where Western military strategists, including the CIA, coordinated efforts to counter Russia’s invasion.
Two Ukrainian generals were moved under armed guard on diplomatic passports through Poland and into Germany shortly after the war began. Their destination was Clay Kaserne, the headquarters of US Army Europe and Africa in Wiesbaden, Germany. From this base, military planners from NATO and the US developed strategies that would significantly impact the conflict and weaken Russia’s position.
This revelation is part of a detailed investigation by The New York Times (NYT), which sheds new light on the extent of Western involvement in Ukraine’s war effort. The findings could fuel tensions with Moscow, which has long claimed that Russia is fighting not just Ukraine, but a proxy war against the West.
Western Military Involvement Revealed
Clay Kaserne became a critical hub for intelligence sharing, military planning, and logistical coordination between NATO allies and Ukrainian forces. While reports of Western support in Ukraine have surfaced previously, this latest investigation exposes the depth of involvement from the US, UK, and NATO in shaping Ukraine’s battlefield operations.
The report comes at a pivotal moment, as the new Trump administration begins to roll back elements of US military support, leaving Ukraine uncertain about its future capabilities against Russia.
Ben Wallace Accused of Ordering Ukrainian General’s Dismissal
The investigation also highlights claims that former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace played a role in the removal of Maj Gen Andrii Kovalchuk, a senior Ukrainian field commander. According to sources, Wallace intervened after Kovalchuk hesitated to launch an offensive against Russian troops who were reportedly low on supplies near the Dnipro River’s west bank.
Frustrated by the inaction, Wallace allegedly consulted US General Christopher T. Donahue, who stated that he would remove any subordinate failing to act on strategic orders. Wallace reportedly responded, “I got this,” before pressing for Kovalchuk’s dismissal.
Wallace has denied these claims, insisting that he never lobbied for any Ukrainian general’s removal, stating that such decisions were for Kyiv alone.
CIA’s Role in Intelligence and Targeting Russian Forces
The report also details the CIA’s involvement in supporting Ukraine’s intelligence operations. While US military personnel were withdrawn from Ukraine ahead of Russia’s full-scale invasion, a small team of CIA officers remained. They played a critical role in intelligence sharing, providing Ukraine with key information that enabled precision strikes on Russian targets.
As the war progressed, the level of US and UK involvement increased significantly. Initially, Western support was limited to supplying arms and intelligence, but by mid-2024, British and American officers were deeply involved in operational planning, including target selection and missile trajectory calculations.
One of the most significant operations discussed in the report is Operation Lunar Hail, a proposed large-scale strike against Russian military infrastructure in Crimea. The operation, devised by US and British military officials, included plans to destroy the Kerch Strait Bridge, a crucial supply route between Russia and Crimea. Initially considered too provocative, the idea gained traction as Western nations became more willing to challenge Russia’s territorial claims.
Tensions Between Ukraine and Its Allies
Despite strong military cooperation, tensions emerged between Ukraine and its Western allies. Kyiv frequently pushed for more advanced weaponry, while Washington and London grew concerned over Ukraine’s military strategies and recruitment policies.
A key point of contention was Ukraine’s mobilisation strategy. US officials believed that Ukraine was not conscripting enough soldiers, despite lowering the draft age to 25. When then-US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin raised the issue, Zelensky reportedly argued that additional troops were useless without sufficient weaponry.
The investigation also highlights intelligence-sharing disagreements. In April 2022, the US identified the Russian missile cruiser Moskva during a routine intelligence briefing with Ukraine. Shortly after, Ukraine sank the ship, a significant early victory, but one that reportedly frustrated US officials, who had not expected or approved such a decisive strike.
Similar tensions arose in 2024, when Ukrainian intelligence reportedly planned a ground incursion into southwest Russia without informing the US. Once Washington learned of the operation, they warned Kyiv that any such action would be carried out without American support.
A former Ukrainian military intelligence commander summarised the divide: “We are allies, but we have different goals. We protect our country, and you protect your phantom fears from the Cold War.”
Growing Uncertainty Over Future Western Support
The investigation underscores how deeply embedded Western military forces have become in Ukraine’s war effort. However, with shifting political landscapes in Washington, Ukraine’s ability to count on continued military support is increasingly uncertain.
As the war continues, questions remain about how much longer Western nations will stay committed, and whether Ukraine can sustain its fight without them.
