Ukraine

Report: US Intelligence Says Ukrainians Behind Dugina Killing

OCT 6 2022·Updated OCT 10 2022

Story

Image credit: Getty Images/AFP [via New York Times]

The Facts

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that US intelligence believes the car bombing near Moscow that killed Daria Dugina in August was authorized by Ukrainian government officials. The report speculates that the clandestine campaign could widen the conflict.
nytimes
This finding may corroborate elements of Russian allegations that the attack was pre-planned and carried out by Ukrainian special forces - a claim that Ukraine has repeatedly denied.
CNN
It remains unknown which members of the Ukrainian government are believed to have authorized the operation and whether Pres. Zelenskyy was aware of it.
RadioFreeEurope
Dugina was the daughter of Alexander Dugin, a prominent Russian nationalist and supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some believe he was the intended target of the bombing.
Al Jazeera
According to American officials, the US didn't know the plan beforehand and would have opposed the killing if consulted. Following the assassination, US officials reportedly admonished their Ukrainian counterparts.
Al Jazeera
The report also suggests that Washington has been frustrated with Ukraine's alleged lack of transparency about its plans, and fears that these symbolic attacks could provoke the Kremlin to retaliate against Ukrainian officials.
nytimes

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The war in Ukraine may become even more dangerous if some within the Ukrainian government make attacks like this. The US and international community have tried carefully to prevent unnecessary escalations between Kyiv and Moscow - but the lack of transparency of Ukraine with regards to its military is frustrating. The West and US deeply support Ukraine, but all parties must walk in lockstep on this geopolitical tightrope.

nytimes

Establishment-critical narrative

It's hard to believe that the US and its allies were unaware of Ukraine's plans. While the New York Times report exposes Ukraine's covert actions and bolsters transparency, it's likely just a red herring to distance Washington from taking responsibility for similar future schemes against Russia.