Leak of British operations in Ukraine ‘worrying on a number of levels’

Russia’s Leak of a conversation by German military officers involving details of British operations on the ground in Ukraine is “worrying on a number of levels”, MP Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Commons defence committee, said.

German military officers discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles, in the recording which was leaked by Russian state media on Friday.

It comes as a debate has been taking place in Germany about whether it should supply the missiles.

Germanys defence minister Boris Pistorius has described the leak of the conversation as part of Russia’s “information war” against the West, and said it is about “undermining our resolve”.

Downing Street said investigating the leak was “a matter for Germany", which remained “a very close Nato ally.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters “it is clearly in the Kremlin’s interest to propagate misinformation” and “we should not fall into that trap”.

“We do have to treat anything coming out of the Kremlin with caution.

“As we know, Russia has a tendency to spread misinformation and disinformation and clearly it is in their interests to sow disunity amongst allies who are seeking to support the armed forces of Ukraine.” While No 10 was keen to stress Western unity, it is likely that stern conversations will take place with Berlin behind the scenes. The spokesman declined to comment on UK operations in Ukraine, beyond saying there was a “small number of troops” providing protection for British diplomats and training for Ukrainian forces.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Ellrussia’s wood, inset, said: “There’s many aspects of this – at the recent Munich Security Conference, the very public frustration about Germany not matching Britain in sending long range air launch missiles was second only to the frustration in delays over the Americans not sending their $60 billion (£47bn) package of support that’s got caught up in Congress.”

“So this interception and the leak of military planning discussion is worrying on a number of decibel levels.”