Kremlin alleges Western involvement in Ukraine conflict after German military talks leak
4 March 2024 14:52
Moscow believes that the military talks between high-ranking German military officers, which came to light last week, demonstrate "direct Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict." The Kremlin has stated that Berlin's plans for an assault on Russia were "substantively and concretely" discussed, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
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The Kremlin responded on Monday to the German officers' conversations that were disclosed last week - as per the Turkish news agency Anadolu. On Friday, Russian media circulated a roughly 38-minute audio clip of the discussions, which hypothetically explored the possibility of Ukraine deploying German Taurus cruise missiles, alongside a potential attack by Kyiv on the Kerch Bridge. This bridge establishes a link between mainland Russia and Crimea.
- This (conversation) clearly suggests that plans for strikes on Russian soil are being substantively and concretely discussed within the Bundeswehr. This does not need any legal interpretation. The implications are fairly clear - stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during a press conference in Moscow on Monday.
The Kremlin looks forward to Scholz’s investigation results
After the conversation was leaked to the press, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised a prompt and detailed examination of the issue. - Mr. Scholz stated that in this situation, a swift, comprehensive, and effective inquiry will be carried out. We remain hopeful that, perhaps even through media channels, we will become privy to the findings of this investigation - Peskov remarked.
Germany’s ambassador summoned, but Berlin refutes claims
The official also noted that Russia summoned Germany’s ambassador to Moscow, Alexander Lambsdorff. The Russian state-run news outlet RIA Novosti shared a video clip showing the German diplomat purportedly arriving at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The German ambassador(...) was called in concerning the leaked conversation of German officers about Crimea," RIA reported.
Berlin has rebuffed these claims. - Our ambassador attended a meeting at the Russian foreign ministry that was scheduled well in advance - a representative for the German Foreign Ministry told Al Jazeera.
Source: Anadolu, Al Jazeera/RIA
