WASHINGTON D.C. – Brigadier General Kevin Ryan, a former U.S. Air Force general, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, to a charge of unauthorized disclosure of national defense information. The admission, made in federal court in Washington, D.C., confirms Ryan leaked classified details regarding U.S. policy toward Iran and intelligence assessments concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine to two journalists.

Ryan, who previously served as the policy director for U.S. Cyber Command before his firing in 2022, entered a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. This agreement details how he provided sensitive documents to reporters on multiple occasions between 2020 and 2022. The leaked information included intelligence assessments of military capabilities, U.S. strategic positions, and operational planning related to the two geopolitical flashpoints.

The charges against Ryan stemmed from an investigation into his conduct following his dismissal from his position. Prosecutors stated that Ryan accessed classified systems without authorization and subsequently transmitted the information. The specific documents were categorized as national defense information, the unauthorized disclosure of which can compromise national security and intelligence operations.

Key details from the plea agreement and court proceedings include:

  • Date of Admission: May 29, 2024.
  • Charge: One count of unauthorized disclosure of national defense information, a felony offense under 18 U.S.C. § 793(d) of the Espionage Act.
  • Information Leaked: Classified data concerning U.S. policy on Iran and intelligence related to the conflict in Ukraine.
  • Recipients: Two unnamed journalists.
  • Timeline of Leaks: Between 2020 and 2022.
  • Prior Role: Policy Director for U.S. Cyber Command.
  • Dismissal: Fired from his post in 2022, preceding the formal charges.

The admission by a senior military official to leaking classified material underscores the persistent challenges faced by the U.S. government in safeguarding sensitive intelligence. Such disclosures can undermine diplomatic efforts, expose sources and methods, and potentially endanger personnel operating in sensitive areas. The legal proceedings against high-ranking individuals typically serve as a deterrent against similar future actions.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ryan faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The exact sentencing will be determined by a judge at a later date, taking into account the specifics of the agreement, sentencing guidelines, and any mitigating or aggravating factors. This case marks a significant development in the U.S. government’s efforts to prosecute individuals responsible for unauthorized disclosures of classified information.