Luftwaffe generals allegedly talked about secretly helping Ukraine bomb the Crimean Bridge
Senior Russian officials said on Friday that Moscow will demand an explanation from Berlin regarding alleged plans to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles and help the Ukrainians hit the Crimean Bridge and other targets.
RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan published a transcript of the conversation between senior German army officers discussing the matter, followed by a 38-minute audio recording. The German government has not yet responded.
This is what we know so far.
The text and audio recording have been published
Simonyan posted the transcript of the February 19 phone call on her VK page, where she identified the participants as the Commander of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), General Ingo Gerhartz, the branch's Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Brigadier General Frank Graefe, and two others.
Shortly after, Simonyan posted the audio recording of the discussion, also in German, on her Telegram channel.
What was said in the call
The officers discussed the operational and targeting details of the long-range Taurus missiles that Germany was discussing sending to Ukraine, as if this had already been agreed – and how to maintain plausible deniability so that Germany could avoid crossing the border. “Red line” From direct participation.
Gerhartz's proposition is different “Tricks” Which the Luftwaffe could use, including rely on “Many people [in Ukraine] “In civilian clothes and speaking with an American accent.” But Griff insisted “There is no language that makes us a party to the conflict.”
Other officers spoke of providing the Ukrainians with missiles and training in their use, as well as satellite targeting information, possibly via Poland.
Obsession with the Kerch Strait Bridge
The Germans noticed the Ukrainians' focus on the Crimean Bridge, primarily for political reasons. They noted that the bridge was strong enough that not even 20 missiles would be able to destroy it. The 50 or so missiles that Berlin could provide to Kiev – in batches – 'It will not change the course of the war' Gerhartz himself admitted.
Russian reactions
“We demand an explanation from Germany. Official Berlin must provide it immediately. Attempts to evade the question will be considered an admission of guilt.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said NATO had done so “Egg on her face” Because of registration. He also noted that the German officers knew full well that they were discussing direct involvement, as evidenced by attempts to hide or hide it, and highlighted the part about Americans operating in Ukraine.
Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said the legislature would take up the registration when it reconvenes on March 11. “Worths serious discussion” Moscow certainly needs this “Send a request to the Bundestag for an investigation.” he added.
The Germans have “We have once again become our sworn enemies.” said former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. “Just look at how meticulously and in detail the Krauts discuss long-range missile strikes on Russian territory, choosing the most practical targets and ways to harm our motherland and our people.” He ended his post with the World War II era slogan, “Death to the fascists!”
Western reactions
When asked about the recording and transcript on Friday, the Pentagon declined to comment, asking American reporters to contact the German military instead.