Ukraine investigates leak of state secrets after media report
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has commenced an investigation into the disclosure of a "state secret." The investigation concerns an article published on Monday by Ukrainska Pravda, which quoted statements allegedly made by the Chief of Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, during a confidential session of the Ukrainian parliament.
The Security Service of Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of state secrets by individuals who had direct access to this classified information during a confidential session of the Verkhovna Rada. This was stated in an official announcement from the SBU.
This investigation began on Tuesday, a day after the Ukrainska Pravda article "Ukraine's Defence Intelligence chief: Ukraine will face existential threat if negotiations don't start by summer".
According to Ukrainska Pravda, a confidential meeting was recently held in the parliament with the leaders of the Ukrainian parliament, representatives of the factions, and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Lawmakers sought to understand the actual situation.
One of the participants, under the condition of anonymity, shared his impressions with a journalist from Ukrainska Pravda.
- What stood out the most was Budanov's response. Someone asked him how much time we have left. Kyrylo, with his calm smile, replied: 'If there are no serious negotiations by the summer, dangerous processes could unfold, threatening Ukraine’s very existence…'" - the anonymous interlocutor told the portal.
Intelligence: Such words were not spoken
Soon after this quote was published, the military intelligence denied that Kyrylo Budanov had uttered these words.
Nonetheless, the SBU decided to commence an investigation into the disclosure of a state secret. The investigation concerns those individuals who were directly entrusted with this information during the closed, confidential session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
"We act within the law and strictly adhere to professional standards of journalism. Ukrainska Pravda, as always, stands by its sources of information, which is guaranteed by the current legislation of Ukraine and international law. Freedom of speech and public access to information are key values of a democratic society. Ukrainska Pravda remains true to its principles and will continue to do its job with integrity and responsibility," commented the editor-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda, Sevgil Musaieva.
