An official source in the Office of the President reported that the disclosure of national confidential information by the German military is considered an act of sabotage against Ukraine. It has been noted that some individuals in the West are deliberately holding back the supply of fighter jets and missiles to Ukraine. This leak could be used by the Kremlin to bargain with the Biden Administration, which is avoiding an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and is threatened by drone strikes in the Middle East.
Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz confirmed the authenticity of the published recordings in which the German military discusses the transfer of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine and the destruction of the Crimean bridge. Agnieszka Brugger, the vice-chairman of the Greens parliamentary group, accused Vladimir Putin of trying to destabilize the situation in Germany. The fact that the records were published shows the serious consequences of this incident.
Maksym Yali, a political scientist and professor at the Department of International Relations, notes that this incident testifies to Russia's capabilities in the field of espionage. He believes that this leak of information dealt an unpleasant, albeit temporary, blow to Chancellor Scholz and the leadership of the Bundeswehr. Yali also points to the need to step up measures to reduce Russian influence and agency in Germany.
According to Yurii Havrilechko, candidate of sciences in public administration, the fact of publishing the records is a standard part of the information struggle in wartime conditions. However, he notes that holding such discussions on an open platform shows indifference to security. He calls for increased funding of military programs and increased defense budgets in Europe as an indicator of a change in political stance and recognition of the seriousness of the problem.
