The German defense minister accused the Russian president today Vladimir Putin that it seeks to “destabilize” the country, after Russia released confidential conversations between German officers about arms deliveries to Ukraine.

“This recording is being used to destabilize” and harm “the unity” of Germany, said Boris Pistorius before the press in Berlin.

“This is clearly about undermining our unity (…), about causing political division at home and I sincerely hope that Putin will not succeed and we will remain united,” he added.

Russian media on Friday released a 38-minute recording of a phone conversation between German officers in which they are heard discussing arms for Ukraine and a possible Kiev strike on a bridge in Crimea. Russian officials demanded an explanation.

Yesterday, Saturday, Germany he spoke of an apparent wiretapping and stated that he was investigating the matter.

“The episode is much bigger than a simple interception and release of a conversation … It is part of an information war being waged by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Pistorius said today.

“It’s a hybrid disinformation attack. It’s about division. It’s about undermining our unity.”

The Russian embassy in Berlin did not respond to a request for comment.