Ukraine Intelligence Operation Uncovers US Information Leaks to Russia

A Ukraine intelligence sting operation allegedly exposed leaks in U.S. security channels, according to a former French spy’s explosive claims that remain unverified by official sources.

In mid-January 2026, Vincent Crouzet, a retired operative from France’s foreign intelligence agency DGSE, made a stunning revelation on LCI television that has sent ripples through international security circles. According to Crouzet, Ukrainian intelligence conducted a deliberate operation to test whether sensitive information shared with Washington was being compromised and finding its way to Moscow.

The alleged sting involved Ukrainian officials feeding false military information through established intelligence channels with the United States. To their alarm, this fabricated data reportedly surfaced in Russian possession almost immediately, suggesting a serious breach in the Western intelligence apparatus.

This potential security vulnerability comes at a particularly delicate moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Under the Trump administration, military aid to Ukraine has faced increased scrutiny, with weapons deliveries experiencing delays and questions arising about America’s long-term commitment to Kyiv’s defense efforts.

James Marinero, who first analyzed Crouzet’s claims in depth on Medium, suggests the operation wasn’t necessarily born from outright distrust of Washington but rather Ukraine’s urgent need to protect its operational security. Ukrainian forces have previously suffered battlefield setbacks when details of planned counteroffensives mysteriously appeared in Russian media, compromising their effectiveness.

“The Ukrainians were frustrated by repeated leaks that undermined their military strategies,” said a European intelligence source familiar with the matter who requested anonymity. “This operation was designed to verify where the vulnerability existed in the information pipeline.”

The implications of such a breach, if confirmed, would be far-reaching for NATO and Western security cooperation. Intelligence-sharing mechanisms among allies fundamentally rely on absolute trust between partners. A verified leak to Moscow would not only validate Ukraine’s concerns but raise serious questions about Russian penetration of Western intelligence systems—potentially through cyber infiltration, human assets within agencies, or even policy channels.

Security analysts point to the timing of this alleged operation, which sources suggest occurred in late 2025, as particularly significant. It follows several years of intensifying information warfare between Russia and the West, where intelligence capabilities have become as crucial as conventional military strength.

“In modern hybrid warfare, information leaks can be as devastating as missile strikes,” explained Dr. Helena Kovacs, a security analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “If strategic plans are compromised before implementation, even the most sophisticated military operations become ineffective.”

Neither Washington nor Kyiv has officially confirmed or denied Crouzet’s account. However, the lack of direct rebuttal from either government has fueled speculation about its authenticity. Some intelligence experts have drawn parallels to historical precedents like the Cold War’s “Farewell Dossier,” where disinformation tactics were successfully deployed to expose Soviet infiltration.

The controversy has prompted calls for transparency from European allies and oversight committees in the U.S. Congress. Several lawmakers have suggested that if proven true, such a breach would necessitate a comprehensive review of intelligence-sharing protocols with all partners.

Since the initial television appearance, however, the story has taken several turns. Ukraine’s military intelligence directorate (GUR) has issued denials, dismissing the more sensational versions of the story as disinformation. Crouzet himself has reportedly clarified that he spoke of suspicions and risks of leaks rather than confirming a definitive sting operation.

The controversy emerges against a backdrop of other intelligence concerns, including a Guardian report about a leaked cellphone conversation between a Trump associate and a Putin advisor that was allegedly intercepted by European intelligence.

As one veteran diplomat noted, “The world of espionage has always been murky, but in today’s environment of information warfare, distinguishing fact from strategic fiction becomes increasingly difficult. In conflicts like this, truth is indeed the first casualty.”