Hegseth fires top general over leaked Ukraine war data, CBS News reports
Photo: Pete Hegseth fired a top Pentagon general over Ukraine (Getty Images)
The Pentagon’s top military planner, Brett Sylvia, has been removed from his position over an alleged leak of classified information related to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict in Iran, CBS News reports.
According to a Pentagon official, Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia failed three polygraph tests concerning the disclosure of classified information to the press.
The case was subsequently referred to the US Department of Justice for investigation.
Meanwhile, other sources within the agency confirmed that polygraph tests were conducted, but insisted the allegations are untrue.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell did not name Sylvia directly but confirmed that, following an extensive investigation into unauthorized information disclosures, "the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information."
Brett Sylvia headed the Joint Staff’s Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (J5) and was responsible for long-term military planning, including coordinating plans related to Iran.
He is the second general to be removed from the position since Pete Hegseth took over as head of the US Department of Defense.
Sylvia’s predecessor, Lieutenant General Joseph McGee, retired in October 2025. A replacement for Sylvia has not yet been appointed.
The US defense establishment has recently made other high-profile decisions concerning the use of technology in combat zones and the disclosure of classified information.
In particular, the Pentagon rejected a Senate request to investigate restrictions on Starlink and Starshield in Ukraine, despite a request from lawmakers from both parties.
