In a dense forest, a Ukrainian military base lies in ruins after a Russian missile attack. But beneath the surface, a secret bunker serves as a nerve center, funded and equipped by the C.I.A. This partnership, cultivated over a decade, is vital to Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. As the conflict escalates, the underground network of spies and intelligence operatives becomes increasingly crucial. With the threat of funding cuts looming, the future of this covert alliance hangs in the balance.
A Decade of Collaboration
The collaboration between the C.I.A. and Ukrainian intelligence dates back to the overthrow of Ukraine’s pro-Kremlin government in 2014. In the aftermath, a fragile pro-Western government took power, and the country’s new spy chief, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, reached out to the C.I.A. and MI6 for assistance in rebuilding the domestic intelligence agency from the ground up. This marked the beginning of a three-way partnership that has since evolved into a critical intelligence-gathering hub for the West.
A Secret Nerve Center
The Ukrainian military base, destroyed above ground, houses a secret underground bunker where teams of Ukrainian soldiers track Russian spy satellites and eavesdrop on conversations between Russian commanders. This bunker, built to replace the destroyed command center, is a testament to the resilience of Ukraine’s intelligence apparatus in the face of Russian aggression.
C.I.A. Support
The C.I.A. and other American intelligence agencies provide intelligence for targeted missile strikes, track Russian troop movements, and help support spy networks. The C.I.A. has also played a crucial role in training an elite Ukrainian commando force and a new generation of Ukrainian spies who operate inside Russia and across Europe.
A Linchpin of Ukraine’s Defense
The intelligence partnership between Washington and Kyiv is a linchpin of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. The C.I.A.-supported network of spy bases along the Russian border has intercepted more Russian communications than the C.I.A. station in Kyiv could initially handle. This intelligence has proven invaluable in Ukraine’s efforts to resist Russian advances and protect its sovereignty.
The Future of the Alliance
As Russia’s offensive continues, Ukraine is increasingly dependent on sabotage and long-range missile strikes that require spies far behind enemy lines. However, the partnership between the C.I.A. and Ukrainian intelligence is at risk due to potential funding cuts from Republicans in Congress. The future of this covert alliance, which has been a closely guarded secret for a decade, remains uncertain.
