You're reading: The Washington Free Beacon: Ukrainian rebel commander identified as Russian GRU military intelligence colonel

A key figure in covert Russian efforts to destabilize eastern Ukraine is working for Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, according to U.S. officials. 

Igor Vsevolodovich Girkin, who is currently using the nom de guerreIgor Strelkov, has identified himself in press reports as “defense minister” of the self-proclaimed, pro-Russian “Donetsk People’s Republic. This week he called for Russia to send military aid to rebels in eastern Ukraine. 

U.S. officials said Strelkov is considered a leading pro-Russian rebel who is undermining stability as part of a major Russian covert action program in Ukraine.

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