It all started with the publication first by the Russian station RT and then by other Russian media of recorded conversations of top officers of the German armed forces, and in particular of the air force, regarding the possible use of long-range missiles Taurus.

In particular, according to the audio documents, the products of which all indicate wiretapping, a secret discussion in mid-February about plans on paper in which German officers consider the theoretical scenario of a strike on the crucial Crimean bridge, built by Russia.

After the revelations, the Kremlin is already asking for clear explanations from Berlin, while publicly at least chancellor Olaf Solz categorically denies sending long-range missiles to Ukraine at any opportunity, most recently saying earlier this week that the use of Taurus missiles would also require sending German troops into the field, but that could drag Germany along at war with Russia.

However, the questions that are raised about the case of the possible eavesdropping are stormy. How and who intercepted these conversations from within the German forces? Is there a pro-Russian whistleblower inside or outside the German armed forces? Is this an isolated incident or is there a structural security issue.

At the same time in Germany the subject monopolizes the German media. From Rome, Chancellor Olaf Solz announced a “rapid” investigation into the incident. “What is mentioned there is a very serious issue,” he said earlier during a visit to the Italian capital. “And that is why it will now be clarified very carefully, very intensively and very quickly, and that is also necessary.” A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense told the German news agency that the Federal Military Counterintelligence Service “has already taken all necessary measures”.

According to the n-tv network, the German Ministry of Defense has begun to investigate both the authenticity of the leaked recorded conversations and how these conversations ended up in Russian hands. However, military analysts told public broadcaster ZDF that the recorded conversations that have come to light are likely to be authentic, without yet being able to verify this.

Source: DW