Hell, who knows. Half the things called leaks are disinformation planted in knowing and unknowing media. It could well be that NATO wanted the story out there.
From Eurasian Times, March 25:
LEAKED! Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive Strategy To Attack Russian Military Disclosed By US Media; Kyiv Furious
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s top aid has expressed displeasure about a Politico story on Ukraine’s potential counteroffensive against the Russian military in May, saying such a military move “should be a surprise for the enemy.”
On March 15, Politico published a story citing unnamed American officials saying they believe Kyiv will launch its counteroffensive against the Russian military in May. Also, the article discussed two possible strategies the officials reportedly believed Ukrainian could adopt while conducting its counteroffensives.
As per Politico’s story, US officials said that Ukraine has “essentially two options: push south through Kherson into Crimea or move east from its northern position and then south, cutting off the Russian land bridge.”
The first option, according to officials, is “not realistic,” as Russian forces are well entrenched on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, and Ukraine does not have enough manpower to carry out amphibious assaults across the Dnipro under the Russian guns. Therefore, US officials think the second option is more likely.
“I find it a bit ironic when journalists say what counterattack scenarios Ukraine will use. Maybe they should take a direct part in the work of the General Staff of Ukraine and plan operations then?” Mykhailo Podolyak, the adviser to the head of the presidential office, said in an interview with 24tv.ua – Ukrainian television station Channel 24’s website – when asked about the Politico story.....
....MUCH MORE, it's an in-depth story despite the rather tabloid-esque headline.
As mentioned in the outro from March 13's "Ukraine War: A Major Change In Messaging From U.S. Media":
....Relaying the WaPo story, Business Insider:
All 500 original members of a Ukrainian battalion were killed or wounded in fighting with Russia, commander says
The fact they both published the story means someone in the upper reaches of the U.S. establishment wanted this story out. It's either indicative of a change in strategy for the west or it's an attempted fake-out of the Russians.
It's a Wilderness of Mirrors I tells ya.
