On Monday, Germany blamed Russia for releasing a secretly recorded conversation that captured German military leaders discussing how to assist Ukraine against Russia's invasion, aiming to create division within Europe.
Key Points
Germany accuses Russia of leaking a secret military discussion to create division within Europe.
The leaked conversation involves German military plans to support Ukraine against Russia.
Germany investigates the leak as part of an information war, while maintaining partnerships with allies.
The incident raises concerns about security breaches and the impact on Germany's international relations.
Russian media outlets recently aired a leaked audio from a Webex meeting among top German military figures talking about supplying Ukraine with weapons and a potential attack on a Crimea bridge. Germany acknowledged the leak of the 38-minute conversation and is looking into this suspected Russian spying effort, seen as part of an "information war."
The leaked discussion included topics like the potential provision of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has openly opposed, and the contributions of France and Britain in supplying their cruise missiles. The leak has not yet prompted much public reaction from allies, but it is expected to stress relationships due to its exposure of Germany's hesitation to deeply engage in the conflict.
The German government described this leak as a "hybrid attack" meant to cause uncertainty and division, vowing to stay united and in close contact with its partners. Meanwhile, Moscow criticizes the West for using Ukraine as a battleground against Russia, whereas NATO states it's supporting Ukraine's defense against aggression.
The British Prime Minister's spokesperson said the leak is Germany's issue to investigate, but Britain will keep supporting Ukraine alongside Germany. This incident follows a few embarrassing security breaches for Germany, including the arrest of a German intelligence service employee suspected of spying for Russia last year.
The Kremlin suggested the leak indicates German military talks about attacking Russian territory, raising questions about German military autonomy and Chancellor Scholz's control. The German government dismissed these allegations as baseless propaganda. The situation underscores heightened tensions and the ongoing information warfare between Russia and Western countries supporting Ukraine.