Ukraine's intelligence clash: State secrets and press freedom
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has launched an investigation into the disclosure of a "state secret." This concerns an article by Ukrainska Pravda, published on Monday, which quoted statements allegedly made by Chief of Military Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov during a closed session of the Ukrainian parliament.
The Security Service of Ukraine has opened a criminal investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified state information by individuals who had direct access to it during a confidential session of the Verkhovna Rada. This was stated in an official communication from the SBU.
This investigation began on Tuesday, one day after the Ukrainska Pravda article "Trump, war, elections: What will define the new political season in Ukraine" was published.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, a closed meeting was recently held in parliament with the leaders of the Ukrainian parliament, representatives of factions, and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Lawmakers sought to understand the current situation better.
One participant, speaking on 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 source told the outlet.
Intelligence: such words were not spoken
Shortly after the quote was published, the military intelligence denied that Kyrylo Budanov had made these statements.
Nevertheless, the SBU decided to pursue an investigation into the disclosure of a state secret. It targets those 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.
