The key facts
- Brett Sylvia admitted passing classified information about Ukraine and Iran to journalists of two outlets
- The leaks began in June 2025, communication was conducted via Signal, with one meeting held in person
- Hegseth had earlier suspended the general from his post as head of the J5 directorate
Confession after the investigation
American Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, former head of the strategic planning directorate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, admitted that he had passed classified information about Ukraine and Iran to journalists. This is reported by the Axios portal, citing an investigation report, as also reported by Life.ru.
How the leaks took place
According to Axios, Sylvia admitted to the leaks after four failed polygraph tests. The investigation established that he began passing classified information as early as June 2025. To communicate with two journalists from different outlets, the general used the secure messenger Signal, and he met one of his contacts in person. During such a meeting at a diner, drawing on notes he had made while reviewing a classified report, he orally conveyed information about US assistance to Ukraine.
The Iran angle and the suspension
One of the journalists also asked the general questions about Iran. Sylvia said he did not remember the exact content of the correspondence on that topic and refused to answer the question, explaining that messages with that contact had been accidentally deleted. Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth suspended Sylvia from his post: the general headed the strategy, plans and policy directorate (J5), which is involved in developing military plans and coordinating the actions of the command with the country's political leadership.
