In a recent development, Germany has pointed fingers at Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of orchestrating an attempt to sow disunity by leaking a confidential German army discussion about the ongoing war in Ukraine. The 38-minute recording, posted on Russian social media late Friday, revealed discussions regarding the potential use of German-made Taurus missiles and their impact, as well as the utilization of long-range missiles supplied to Kyiv by France and Britain.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius denounced the leak, stating, “It is about using this recording to destabilize and unsettle us.” Pistorius expressed hope that Putin’s efforts would not succeed and affirmed that he would await the results of a military investigation before drawing any conclusions about the incident. Despite the leak, Pistorius claimed to be unaware of any further breaches of confidentiality within the army.
Kyiv has persistently urged Germany to provide Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers (approximately 300 miles). Chancellor Olaf Scholz, however, has been hesitant to comply, fearing that such a move could escalate the conflict with Russia, a nuclear-armed nation. As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Kyiv seeks increased military support from its allies, facing challenges of being outgunned and outnumbered on the frontlines, coupled with ammunition shortages.
While France and Britain have supplied Kyiv with SCALP or Storm Shadow missiles with a range of about 250 kilometers, Germany’s reluctance to match these actions has caused tensions. Scholz argued that Germany cannot justify replicating the British and French measures, citing limitations on targeting and supporting targeting processes within the country.
The leaked recording, however, calls into question Scholz’s explanation, as some of the conversation challenges Germany’s purported inability to provide Kyiv with the missiles. Despite this, Britain has denied any direct involvement in operating the missiles supplied to Ukraine, emphasizing that Ukraine’s use and targeting processes are solely the business of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, currently serving as the deputy head of the Security Council, stated on Sunday that “Germany is preparing for war with Russia.” Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at a diplomatic forum in Turkey, interpreted the recording as evidence that Ukraine and its backers are unwilling to change their course and seek a strategic defeat of Russia on the battlefield. German politicians are now demanding answers over the wiretap, with Pistorius cautioning that the leak is part of an information war orchestrated by Putin, urging vigilance against falling for his tactics.
