German defense leak reveals security flaws in Ukraine arms talks

The intercepted conversation, which was later published by Russian English-language state television RT on March 1, revealed discussions between Air Force Inspector Ingo Gerhartz and three other high-ranking military officials on February 19. They deliberated on the possible use of German Taurus cruise missiles and how the Bundeswehr could support Ukraine should these missiles be transferred to Kyiv.

Initially, the German Defense Ministry pointed to Brigadier General Frank Graefe's recklessness in the security breach, who participated in the conversation from a hotel in Singapore using an unsecured mobile phone. However, further investigations led by a special committee in the Bundestag revealed on Monday evening that additional errors had occurred.

The German Military Counter-Intelligence (MAD) investigations uncovered that Graefe wasn't the sole participant using an unsecured connection. "Spiegel" magazine reported that it is highly probable that Air Force Commander Ingo Gerhartz also relied on an unsecure line. "Pistorius has assured that, for now, no data leak has occurred via this connection," "Spiegel" reports.

The authorities continue investigating whether the confidential military conversation could have been facilitated through the Webex conference platform. Minister Pistorius reaffirms his earlier position that imposing any sanctions on individuals who breached security protocols is premature. "I am not ready to dismiss our best officers just because it would benefit Putin," declared Pistorius. He stressed that enhancing security for internal communications is the current priority.

Source: PAP