Internal and external pressure on Germany to consider sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine

On Monday, the German Foreign Minister asked her government to study the possibility of this Delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to UkraineAlthough the German Chancellor, Olaf SchulzHe quickly disavowed it and repeated his words Opposing sending these missiles.

Government Germany rejection Definitely on Monday Accusations that Purification by Russia The conversation between German military commanders was an indication that Berlin was preparing for war against Russia, while promising war Fast investigation About how a conversation between senior military officials was intercepted and published.

“The claims that this conversation will show that Germany is preparing for war against Russia are quite clearly so Russian propaganda “Absurdly notorious,” a spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in Berlin.

Government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner indicated that the leak was part of Russia's “information war” against the West and that the goal was to create Disagreement within Germany.

registration 38 minutes It shows military officers discussing in German how Kiev could use long-range cruise missiles Taurus Against the invading Russian forces.

Although the German authorities They did not question its authenticity From the recording, Schulz He said that a week ago Handing over these weapons to Ukraine is not an optionHe did not want Germany to be drawn directly into war.

But on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry threatened Germany with “Serious consequencesRegarding the leak, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, without giving further details. “If nothing is done and the German people do not put an end to it, there will be serious consequences, especially for Germany itself.”

The US and UK say the Kremlin is trying to sow “discord” and “division” among Western allies.

from United StateNational Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to address specific details about the leaked audio recording, but described the release as “a clear attempt by the Russians to hide their identity.” Sow discord“.

he Kremlin He said on Monday that he looked forward to the results of the German government's investigation. “Mr Schulz stated that a prompt, complete and effective investigation will be conducted. We hope to know the result “This is an investigation,” his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

In London, the Prime Minister's spokesman said United kingdomRishi Sunak warned that the government must “deal with everything emanating from the Kremlin with caution,” pointing to Moscow’s record of publishing… misinformation. “It suits them Plant the band “Among the allies seeking to support the Ukrainian armed forces,” spokesman Dave Paris said.We should not fall into this trap.“he added.