US intel helped Ukraine sink Russian cruiser

Several US media reported that the US provided intelligence that helped Ukraine sink the Russian cruiser, Moskva. Moskva is Russia’s flagship Black Sea missile cruiser.

Unknown officials stated that Ukraine asked the US about Russian cruiser sailing to the south of Odesa.

The US said that it was the Russian cruiser, Moskva. It also helped Ukraine to confirm its location. Ukraine then struck it with two missiles.

The Pentagon did not comment on this. However, a spokesman said that the US gave intelligence to help Ukraine defend itself. The unnamed officials said that they did not know that Ukraine would target the Moskva after helping determine its location. The 510-crew missile cruiser led Russia’s naval assault on Ukraine.

The sinking was a major symbolic and military blow.

The Russian defense ministry said ammunition on board made Moskva explode. The US has not yet directly addressed the reports about the Moskva.

However, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied earlier media reports. It denied that the US was providing information about the locations of senior Russian generals on the battlefield. So that Ukrainian forces can kill them.

He said, “We do not provide intelligence on the location of senior military leaders on the battlefield or participate in the targeting decisions of the Ukrainian military.” Mr. Kirby stated that Ukraine combined information that the US and others provided with their battlefield intelligence.

He added that they make their own decisions and take their actions.NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that the White House National Security Council (NSC) also denied that the US was helping Ukraine target senior Russian officers.

He continued that we do not provide intelligence with the intent to kill Russian generals. The Biden administration is also ramping up support for Ukraine. President Biden asked Congress for $33bn (£27bn) in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to support Ukraine. He is also insisting that the US was not “attacking Russia”.

Russia’s foreign ministry has said Western military support for Ukraine threatens the security of the continent.

Credits: BBC