The German Federal Ministry of Defence is looking into allegations that surfaced in Russian media, suggesting that members of the German air force discussed using Taurus missiles to destroy the Crimean bridge. This investigation comes after Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan shared what she claimed was a conversation among German air force generals plotting the bridge's demolition.
An official from the German Defense Ministry confirmed to DPA, as reported by European Pravda, that the Federal Military Counterintelligence Service (BAMAD) has taken "all necessary measures" to delve into these claims.
The controversy stems from a recording, the origin of which remains unverified, that Russian media claims contain discussions by German military officials on the tactical use of Taurus missiles against the Crimean infrastructure. The story has gained traction within Russian propaganda circles, leading to an intensive search for information about the alleged generals involved.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has called on the German government to clarify the situation surrounding the recording. She implied that without a clear explanation from Berlin, Russia would view it as an admission of guilt by the German authorities.
This incident arises amidst heightened debates in Germany regarding the potential provision of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, a proposal that the German federal government has firmly rejected.
In context, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently reiterated Germany's stance against supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles, emphasizing that such a move could inadvertently involve Germany in the conflict with Russia. Scholz highlighted the risks associated with providing Ukraine with weaponry capable of striking deep within Russian territory, including Moscow, and addressed concerns that deploying long-range arms might necessitate NATO troops' presence in Ukraine for targeting purposes.
This has sparked a wave of criticism, notably from the United Kingdom, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities involved in military aid and the broader geopolitical implications.
