Kremlin Alleges German Generals Plotting to Blow Up Crimean Bridge in Leaked Audio Recording
Counterintelligence agents in Germany have initiated an urgent investigation following the release of an audio recording by a top ally of Vladimir Putin, which allegedly reveals a plot to blow up the Crimean Bridge. The 38-minute audio clip, initially shared by RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, rapidly spread through Russia's state-controlled media and pro-Kremlin social media channels. This dissemination led to a vehement reaction from Russia's Foreign Ministry, accusing British and American troops of being present in Ukraine based on the leaked recording.
Russian Demands and Allegations
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, publicly demanded an "explanation" from Germany, emphasizing that failure to do so would be considered an "admission of guilt." The authenticity of the recording remains unconfirmed. However, the Kremlin has a history of using supposedly leaked top-secret audio to advance its agenda, such as in 2015 when it released a fabricated recording alleging CIA involvement in the downing of flight MH17.
Setting the Stage
Moscow asserts that the purported conversation between Germany's "high-ranking officers" took place on Feb. 19, focusing on plans to destroy the Crimean Bridge using long-range Taurus missiles. The timing of the "leak" coincides with mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine, a proposition he has staunchly opposed so far, cautioning that the missiles could potentially reach Moscow if misused.
Reactions and Accusations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at a conference in Turkey, alleged that the German generals discussed the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine while avoiding detection, in order not to antagonize Scholz. Kremlin-controlled media swiftly intensified their coverage of the scandal, disclosing the names and photos of all German officers supposedly involved in the conversation. Simultaneously, the German Defense Ministry confirmed that the Federal Military Counterintelligence Service had initiated an investigation into the potential interception of communications among military representatives.
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