What is a false flag? US says Russia may use the tactic to justify Ukraine invasion
- ‘False flag’ refers to misuse of an identity or motivation to disguise the identity of a military force.
- US officials have warned Russia may execute a false flag operation to justify an attack on Ukraine.
- The US hasn’t detailed what evidence it has for that claim, not wanting to reveal its sources.
- But experts say the fact more than just the US believes this could happen adds credibility.
WASHINGTON – Biden administration officials have been warning since early February that Russia could fabricate a pretext for invading Ukraine, such as staging a fake attack by Ukrainian forces on Russians.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Feb. 3 that such a “false flag” operation is one of several options being explored by Moscow “to try to create a public narrative that they are the victim and that Ukraine is the aggressor.”