Germany accidentally leaked British military secrets to Russia by using off-the-shelf video phone technology to discuss missiles in Ukraine.
The intercepted call, using off-the-shelf video phone technology, marks one of Germany’s worst security breaches since the Cold War
The head of the Luftwaffe told air force officers and a general who dialled in from his hotel room how British and French officials were delivering Storm Shadows to Ukrainian soldiers.
He also said British troops were “on the ground”, a highly sensitive detail that has already caused division and infighting among Nato allies.
Recordings of the call were broadcast by a Russian state television executive. The Kremlin maintains that Nato troops on the ground represent a serious provocation.
In the call, Ingo Gerhartz, the Luftwaffe air force Lieutenant General, discusses the possible delivery of German Taurus missiles, which have a longer range and are more precise than Storm Shadows.
“If we’re asked about delivery methods. I know how the British do this “he said. “They always transport them in Ridgeback armoured vehicles. They have several people on the ground,” he said.
He also revealed that France delivers their version of Storm Shadow missiles, known as Scalp, to Ukraine in the back of Audi Q7s, a commercial SUV that costs about £67,000.
Another participant on the call, believed to be Brigadier General Frank Graefe, discussed the training of Ukrainian troops on German soil. He said after they had been trained and were ready to return to Ukraine, the “right course of action” would be for Britain to “take over”.
“Just imagine the uproar if the media were to find out,” he added.
Roderich Kiesewetter. a German opposition politician, said it was likely that a Russian intelligence agent was simply able to join the call, which Luftwaffe officers were able to connect to on their mobile phones.
One participant on the call mentions that he could send further information via WhatsApp in a further possible security breach.
Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, described the leak as “very serious” and ordered an investigation.
It comes after he suggested last week that British troops were in Ukraine helping to fire Storm Shadow missiles. Emmanuel Macron had earlier faced a backlash from Nato allies for suggesting troops could be sent to Ukraine in limited capacity.
The call also further damages the chances of Germany sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Mr Scholz has so far blocked the move over fears they could be used to strike Moscow.
In the call, officers also discussed whether Taurus cruise missiles could possibly strike the Kerch bridge between the Russian mainland and the occupied Crimea peninsula.
This was described by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev as proof that Germany is “preparing for war against Russia”.
The discussion between Gerhartz and several other senior officers was confirmed by the German defence ministry to be authentic.
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