Spies for the United States reportedly caught Russian officials boasting about how they had persuaded intelligence officials with the United Arab Emirates to side with Russia against the U.S. and the United Kingdom, according to a document reportedly leaked in the U.S. intelligence breach.
The document, titled “Russia/UAE: Intelligence Relationship Deepening,” was dated March 9. It claimed the UAE had deepened its ties with Russia, allegedly confirming fears that the UAE was allowing Russia to evade sanctions that were imposed over its war with Ukraine.
PENTAGON WORKING TO IDENTIFY ‘SCOPE AND SCALE’ OF CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS LEAK
“In mid-January, [Federal Security Service] officials claimed UAE security service officials and Russia had agreed to work together against US and UK Intelligence agencies, according to newly acquired signals intelligence,” the document, which was obtained by the Associated Press, said.
“The UAE probably views engagement with Russian intelligence as an opportunity to strengthen growing ties between Abu Dhabi and Moscow and diversify intelligence partnerships amid concerns of US disengagement from the region,” the document continued.
United States officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the document, but Emirati officials have denied reports that the relationship between the countries has strengthened and have called the allegations “categorically false.” The document bore top-secret markings, according to the Associated Press.
“We refute any allegation regarding an agreement to deepen cooperation between the UAE and other countries’ security services against another country,” the UAE said in a statement to the Associated Press.
“The UAE has deep and distinguished relations with all countries, reflecting its principles of openness, partnership, building bridges, and working to serve the common interests of countries and peoples to achieve international peace and security.”
Officials with the Treasury Department have pointed out an escalation in recent sales between the two countries. Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Elizabeth Rosenberg alleged that businesses in the UAE were helping Russia dodge international sanctions and obtain more than $5 million in U.S. devices, such as semiconductors and devices with battlefield uses.
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The Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into the apparent leak of “sensitive and highly classified” U.S. intelligence, which began circulating on social media last week. Officials have warned that some of the documents have been doctored and used in misinformation campaigns. They have urged caution when it comes to the leaked documents.
The Pentagon documents involve foreign policy and national security concerns. Included in the released material are reports that a Russian fighter jet nearly shot down a British aircraft last year, which could have launched the U.S. into a direct war with Russia; that the United States has penetrated Russian security and intelligence, allowing officials to warn Ukraine of coming attacks; and that the U.S. has apparently spied on its allies, including Israel, South Korea, and Ukraine.
