Taurus: Weapon causing Russian-German tensions

On the same day as the burial of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition figure, in Moscow, a leak emerged showing German military officers discussing the potential use of Taurus long-range missiles in Ukraine. This leak, revealing a private conversation, embarrassed Germany and sparked security concerns regarding the confidentiality of its communications.

In response to the leak, Russia expressed outrage, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warning of severe repercussions for Germany if the actions were not halted by the German public. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock retorted, emphasizing that Ukraine’s need for defense arose from Russia’s aggressive invasion, as reported by the dpa news agency.

The leaked conversation revolved around a theoretical discussion on sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, a move Germany has yet to approve despite persistent requests from Ukraine.

The leaked audio has fueled what German media have termed the “wiretapping affair,” centering on the Taurus missiles and the strain they’ve caused in international relations.

Taurus missiles, equipped with stealth capabilities for evading detection and capable of hitting targets up to 500 kilometers away, could significantly aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ukraine has sought these missiles to complement the long-range Storm Shadow and Scalp cruise missiles supplied by Britain and France.

Despite being a major supporter of military aid to Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has resisted sending Taurus missiles, citing concerns about Germany being drawn directly into the conflict. This stance has sparked debate within Germany, with some advocating for the missiles’ deployment to Ukraine.

The leaked audio, made public by RT’s chief editor Margarita Simonyan, captures German military officials preparing a briefing on the Taurus missile system and discussing its potential use by Ukraine. The conversation, which touched on targeting strategies and logistical considerations, underscored the theoretical nature of the discussions and the absence of a government decision to supply Ukraine with the missiles.

The leak has prompted a strong reaction from the German government, with officials investigating the breach and condemning it as an act of “information warfare” aimed at destabilizing Western unity. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius labeled the leak a “hybrid attack” intended to spread misinformation and undermine solidarity within Germany, particularly significant on the day of Navalny’s funeral.