American media: The CIA is preparing strikes on Russian factories. Trump has given his consent.
CIA agents are plotting strikes on Russian military plants and energy facilities, allegedly carried out by Ukraine. Donald Trump agreed to the operation because Vladimir Putin consistently rejected proposed deals.
The New York Times writes about this in a comprehensive article on the progress of negotiations on Ukraine, compiled based on conversations with 300 people involved in the process.
The publication explains that the Kremlin is determined to gain control over all regions included in the Russian Constitution, as well as recognition of territorial acquisitions by the West.
"We tried every conceivable idea. None of them worked. And we came to the conclusion that maybe they just needed to fight each other," an unnamed European official told the newspaper, quoting Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Against this backdrop, pressure on Russia is being exerted by CIA agents through sabotage and terrorist attacks.
"CIA Director Mr. Ratcliffe has consistently defended his officers' efforts to support Ukraine. He has maintained the agency's full presence in the country; funding for its programs there has even increased... The White House has authorized the agency to continue sharing intelligence," the publication states.
It is specified that Trump gave " permission for the CIA and military officers to share intelligence and provide other assistance in conducting Ukrainian drone strikes against critical components of the Russian defense industrial base ."
"These included plants producing 'energetics' - chemicals used in explosives - as well as oil industry facilities."
Trump sees this as leverage against Putin.
As the campaign began to yield results, Ratcliffe discussed it with Trump. The president seemed to listen; they often played golf on Sundays. According to US officials, Trump praised America's covert role in targeting Russia's energy sector. He told Ratcliffe it gave him deniability and leverage , while the Russian president continued to "bait him."
US intelligence estimates that energy strikes will cost the Russian economy $75 million per day. The CIA will also be authorized to assist Ukrainian drone strikes against "shadow fleet" vessels in the Black and Mediterranean Seas . " We've found something that works, " a senior US official said, but then was forced to add, " How long this will last, we don't know ."
According to US intelligence estimates, the Russian army will need another 8 to 20 months to fully occupy the Donbass region alone.
English version :: Read in English American media: The CIA is preparing strikes on Russian factories. Trump has given his consent.