A recent article in The New York Times has sparked significant repercussions in geopolitics, particularly within the already turbulent diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States. According to the report, for the past decade, the United States has been conducting covert surveillance operations within Russian territory from Ukrainian soil.

The news report further alleges that the intelligence cooperation between Ukraine and America has reached a substantial level, evidenced by the claim that the CIA opted to remain in Ukraine even after all American personnel and citizens were evacuated before Russia's military incursion in February 2022.

Amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its third year marked by violence and chaos, reports have emerged revealing the presence of 12 CIA listening posts and spy bases along the border separating the warring nations.

According to the report, these bases have been predominantly funded by the CIA and have received partial equipment support from US intelligence operatives. The New York Times cited General Serhii Dvoretskiy, a senior commander within Ukrainian intelligence, regarding this matter.

The enduring partnership between Ukrainian and American intelligence forged over a decade ago, has proven vital for Ukraine's survival. Despite navigating through phases of distrust and secrecy across different White House administrations, both sides have maintained this collaboration, largely intact.

Key instances, such as the revelation of Russian involvement in the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 and targeting alleged Russian operatives in the 2016 presidential election, highlight the crucial role of Ukrainian interceptions in providing evidence and intelligence, subsequently earning the trust of the CIA.

Additionally, the CIA trained a new cohort of Ukrainian intelligence operatives, proving valuable in operations across Europe, Cuba, Russia, and regions influenced by Moscow. Ukraine's success in these endeavors was often attributed to racial and linguistic affinity, distinguishing them from CIA counterparts.

Ukraine's former military intelligence head, General Valeriy Kondratiuk, likened Russian recruitment by Americans to "hara-kiri," contrasting it with the camaraderie of being recruited by Ukrainians.

The relationship, initiated after the Ukrainian overthrow of the pro-Russian regime in 2014, was meticulously constructed by the Ukrainian side. Kondratiuk provided the CIA with extensive secret documents, including sensitive Russian naval secrets like nuclear submarine designs.

CIA involvement began with a visit by the CIA director to Ukraine, establishing a cautious alliance that initially avoided sharing intel leading to lethal strikes inside Russia, reflecting Washington's reluctance to provoke Moscow openly.

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