German Chancellor Promises Investigation After Confidential Army Talks on Ukraine War Leaked on Russian Social Media
In a shocking turn of events, a recording allegedly containing confidential army talks on the Ukraine war has been leaked on Russian social media platforms. This revelation has caused a major embarrassment for Berlin, prompting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to promise a thorough investigation into the matter. The leaked audio file, posted by Margarita Simonyan, a Russian state TV journalist and the head of Russia Today, purportedly reveals German officers discussing military strategies, including a potential strike on the Crimea bridge and the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv.
The German defense ministry has confirmed that the conversation took place within the air force division and was likely intercepted. However, they are unable to confirm whether any changes were made to the recorded or transcribed version circulating on social media. While Reuters has listened to the 38-minute recording, its authenticity remains unverified.
Chancellor Scholz, currently on a visit to Rome, expressed his concern over the potential leak, deeming it “very serious.” He assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated with utmost urgency. Meanwhile, Russia’s embassy in Berlin has yet to respond to the allegations of possible spying, while the Russian foreign ministry demands an explanation from Germany.
The leak has been described as a catastrophe for German secret services by ARD broadcaster. The videoconference in question was reportedly held on the WebEx platform rather than a secret internal army network, according to Der Spiegel magazine. Green party politician Konstantin von Notz expressed his concerns over the potential implications of the leak, calling it a highly problematic event.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at a diplomatic forum in Turkey, claimed that the recording indicated Ukraine’s unwillingness to change its course and its desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, demanded prompt explanations from Germany, warning that any attempts to avoid answering the questions would be seen as an admission of guilt.
The leak has also sparked political reactions within Germany. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the defense committee in Germany’s parliament, believes that Moscow’s intention is clear: to dissuade Germany from supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles. She emphasized the urgent need to enhance security and counterintelligence measures to address vulnerabilities in this area. Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of Germany’s opposition conservatives, expressed his belief in the authenticity of the reports and warned that further leaks may occur. He stated that Russia’s extensive use of espionage and sabotage in hybrid warfare should be expected, as it aims to influence decisions, discredit individuals, and manipulate outcomes.
The leaked recording has undoubtedly raised serious concerns about the security and confidentiality of sensitive military discussions. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences this breach will have on German-Russian relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
