German Envoy Called to Russian Foreign Ministry Over Alleged Audio Leak – Sky Bulletin

On March 4th, the Russian Foreign Ministry brought in the German Ambassador to Russia, Ambassador Alexander Lambsdorf, as reported by TASS, the Russian state-owned news agency.

According to Russian state media, this action is connected to an apparent leak of a conversation among senior German military figures discussing the potential supply of Taurus long-range missiles for targets like the Kerch Bridge in Crimea and the training of Ukrainian forces.

The leak, which was disclosed on March 1st by Margarita Simonyan, RT’s chief editor, a Russian government-run television network, has been confirmed to be an intercepted talk between German Air Force personnel, prompting an investigation in Germany.

There has been no formal response from Berlin regarding the Russian Ministry’s reported requisition to their ambassador. TASS has released footage purporting to show Ambassador Lambsdorf departing the Russian ministry at roughly 12 p.m. local time.

The incident of the leaked conversation was dubbed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as a “hybrid disinformation attack.”

The leak surfaces while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is known to be against sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine due to worries it might involve Germany more directly in the conflict. Ukraine has, however, received other long-distance armaments, including the Storm Shadow from the UK and the SCALP from France.

There have been extended discussions around the Taurus missiles, which have a range of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles), ever since Ukraine requested the missiles in May 2023.

German Chancellor Scholz once more declines to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles

Chancellor Scholz’s objection to deliver Taurus missiles to Kyiv stems from his concern over the potential of escalation and further involvement in the war. Ukraine has managed to secure other types of long-range weaponry from allies, such as the Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles.

FAQ

Why was the German ambassador summoned by Russia?

The German ambassador was called in over alleged leaks of a conversation that mentioned possible German military aid to Ukraine.

Has Germany confirmed the leak?

Yes, German officials confirmed the intercept of a conversation between military personnel and are investigating the leak.

What are Taurus missiles?

Taurus missiles are long-range precision-guided munitions, which Ukraine has sought from Germany.

Did Germany comment on the summons?

As of the report, there was no official comment from Berlin regarding the summons of their ambassador to Russia.

What has been Germany’s position on supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine?

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been opposed to the supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, fearing it could draw Germany directly into the conflict.

Conclusion

The recent developments reflect heightened tensions and complexities in international diplomacy concerning the Ukrainian conflict. Germany’s cautious stance on supplying advanced weaponry like the Taurus missiles underscores the broader apprehension of escalating military involvement. The leak of the military conversation and subsequent summoning of the German ambassador to the Russian Foreign Ministry signify an intricate web of political maneuvering and information warfare. Observers await further official comments and outcomes from this diplomatic episode.

Note: The articles and the summarized content presented are rewritten versions sourced from various online resources and do not reflect the ownership or authorship by TheUBJ. Original content link provided from The Kyiv Independent for reference.