Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Valery Zaluzhny, confirmed the discovery of a listening device in one of his designated offices. This incident, occurring on December 18, 2023, has raised serious concerns about the security protocols within the military, considering the sensitive nature of its operations.
Discovery of Listening Devices
Zaluzhny addressed the media, expressing his worry over the security breach, revealing that the bug was found during a routine inspection of the office he was scheduled to use. Notably, this office wasn’t his primary workplace, and other listening devices were discovered during the inspection. The AFU General Staff reported finding equipment designed for removing information during routine inspections at various military staff locations.
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Zaluzhny termed the incident a potential act of War, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to determine the facts surrounding the breach. He denied any internal involvement, asserting that the military had distanced itself from such practices for a long time.
A listening device was found in the office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valery Zaluzhny.https://t.co/92WCtBZew8
— TVP World (@TVPWorld_com) December 17, 2023Investigation and Response
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has been informed about the devices discovered, indicating a high level of involvement in the ongoing investigation. A criminal case has been initiated under Article 359 part 2, addressing the illegal acquisition, sale, or use of unique technical means of obtaining information.
The device, found in a non-working state, was not directly in Zaluzhny’s office but in a room designated for his future use. Further examinations are planned to determine the extent and implications of the security breach.
Motivations and Public Trust
Discussions about the motivations behind the espionage are underway. Zaluzhny clarified that the office in question had not been in regular use for a significant period, suggesting that the perpetrators might have been preparing for a specific meeting or event.
The incident has drawn attention to the state of public trust in the Armed Forces. According to a recent survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS), trust in the Armed Forces remains high, with 96% expressing confidence, consistent with figures from December 2022. Anton Hrushetsky, deputy director of KMIS, emphasized the public demand for unity and warned against attempts to discredit the Armed Forces’ leadership.
Additional Articles and Context
In an article published in The Economist last month, Zaluzhny emphasized that the War was entering a stage of attrition, which could benefit Moscow. This perspective has sparked discussions about the potential reshuffling in top military ranks and differences with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy regarding the conduct of the War.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the current status of the investigation?
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is actively investigating the security breach under Article 359 Part 2, with detailed examinations planned for the discovered listening device.
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How has the public responded to the incident?
According to a KMIS survey, public trust in the Armed Forces remains high, with 96% expressing confidence. However, concerns about the security breach and possible motivations are prevalent.
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What are the potential motivations behind the espionage?
Discussions are ongoing, with Zaluzhny suggesting that the perpetrators might have been preparing for a specific meeting or event in the office that had not been in regular use.
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How has Zaluzhny’s perspective on the War contributed to the situation?
Zaluzhny’s views on the War, notably the mention of a phase of attrition, have fueled discussions about potential reshuffling in top military ranks and differences with President Zelenskiy.
