German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius addresses the media during a press statement in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, March 3, 2024. German authorities say they are investigating after an audio recording was published in Russia in which German military officers purportedly discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus long-range cruise missiles. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius addresses the media during a press statement in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, March 3, 2024. German authorities say they are investigating after an audio recording was published in Russia in which German military officers purportedly discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus long-range cruise missiles. (Michael Kappeler/dpa via AP)
culWARSAW, Poland (AP) — Germany's defense minister on Sunday described Russia's leak of a conversation by ranking German military officers to be part of Russia's “information war†against the West, and that the aim was to create discord within Germany.
In the leaked by Russian state media on Friday, German military officers can be heard discussing support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles.
The audio was leaked on the same day that late opposition politician was laid to rest after his still-unexplained death two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the timing was not a coincidence.
“It is part of an information war that Putin is waging. There is absolutely no doubt about that,†he said. “It is a hybrid attack aimed at disinformation. It is about division. It is about undermining our resolve.â€
Speaking at a news briefing in Berlin, Pistorius added: "Accordingly, we should react in a particularly level-headed manner, but no less resolutely.â€
In the 38-minute recording, military officers discuss the question of how the Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Ukraine. The audio was leaked as a debate has been taking place in Germany over whether to supply the missiles.
“This is clearly about undermining our unity,†Pistorius said.
Ukraine has been asking for them as it faces setbacks on the battlefield after two years of war, and with military aid from the United States being held up in Congress.
, Scholz said he remains reluctant to send the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of Germany becoming directly involved . His hesitancy is a source of friction in his three-party coalition and also annoyed Germany’s conservative opposition.
But in the purported audio recording, German officers discuss the theoretical possibility of the missiles being used in Ukraine.
Pistorius said the officers made clear at all times in the recording that "the line of war participation ... would not be crossed.â€
°µÍø½ûÇø. All rights reserved.
Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, says much progress has …
Canadian aid agencies say malnutrition and starvation is rampant among children in…
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
