Germany investigates leaked audio

German authorities said they were investigating after an audio recording, in which German military officers purportedly discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles, was published in Russia.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who was in Rome yesterday, called it a “very serious matter” and said German authorities were working to clarify the matter “very carefully, very intensively and very quickly”.

In the 38-minute recording, military officers discuss the question of how the Taurus long-range cruise missiles could be used by Ukraine. A debate has been taking place in Germany over whether to supply the missiles as Ukraine faced setbacks on the battlefield after two years of war, and with military aid from the US held up in Congress.

Last week Scholz said he remains reluctant to send the Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of Germany becoming directly involved in the war. His hesitancy is a source of friction in his three-party coalition and also annoyed Germany’s conservative opposition.

But in the purported audio recording, German officers discuss the theoretical possibility of the missiles being used in Ukraine.

Germany’s Ministry of Defence said it was investigating whether communications within the air force were intercepted by Russia. In a statement it said: “According to our assessment, a conversation within the Air Force was intercepted. We cannot currently say with certainty whether changes have been made to the recorded or written version that is circulating on social media.”

Germany is now the secondbiggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US and is further stepping up its support this year.