Sharing the blame: The CIA played a role in luring suspected Russian mercenaries to Belarus, CNN reports 

The CIA was involved in the Ukrainian-led operation that resulted in the arrest of 33 suspected Russian mercenaries in Belarus last year, reported CNN on Wednesday, September 8. Citing Ukrainian intelligence officials, CNN said that American intelligence provided their Ukrainian counterparts with "U.S. cash, technical assistance, and advice." However, U.S. officials deny playing a direct role in the operation, suggesting that the Ukrainian side may be attempting to "share or pass blame" for a sting gone wrong. In turn, the Kremlin's spokesman and the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) described CNN's report as further confirmation of the involvement of foreign intelligence in the detention of the Russian nationals -- something Russian authorities, including President Vladimir Putin, have claimed all along. Original Article: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/09/08/sharing-the-blame