Leaked US intelligence document suggests Serbia agreed to arm Ukraine

Serbia, one of the most pro-Russian countries in Europe, has pledged to send arms to Ukraine or has done so already, according to a leaked secret Pentagon document.

The document shows that the overwhelming majority of European states are providing arms or training to Ukraine, but other documents in a trove of leaked defence department classified material demonstrate that Kyiv is struggling to get supplies from much of the rest of the world and is facing critical shortages.

Vienna has insisted on maintaining its policy of military neutrality, although the position is increasingly controversial inside Austria as the war continues. Malta has also pointed to its traditional neutrality and, like Austria, has provided humanitarian aid.

It has not been possible to independently verify the authenticity of the documents, but US officials have so far pointed to only one document reposted on the Telegram messaging app, involving casualty figures, as being a clear forgery. The justice department is conducting an investigation to find the leaker, who appears to have first posted secret Pentagon documents last year on a server used by about 20 people involved in military gear and video games.

The Ukrainian government is assessing the possible damage from the disclosures. The files give details of 12 newly formed brigades, equipped with western battle tanks and armoured vehicles, which are likely to lead the assault against dug-in Russian positions.

No counter-offensive is likely to start until the weather dries out, which is unlikely to happen for at least 10 days. On Wednesday it rained all day in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.