Kremlin accuses Germany of planning attacks amid Ukraine conflict

Moscow believes that the recent military talks between senior German officers suggest a "direct Western involvement in the war in Ukraine." According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Berlin's alleged plans for an assault on Russia were "substantively and concretely" elaborated.

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Last week's revelation of German officers' conversations has prompted a response from the Kremlin, as reported by the Turkish agency Anadolu. A 38-minute recording released by Russian media on Friday captures a discussion on the theoretical use of German Taurus cruise missiles by Ukraine and a potential attack on the Kerch Bridge, which links mainland Russia to Crimea.

"This conversation alone implies that the Bundeswehr is seriously and specifically planning attacks on Russian territory. There's no need for any legal interpretation; the intent is blatantly clear," stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov at a press briefing in Moscow on Monday.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised a swift and thorough investigation following the leak. "Mr. Scholz has assured us of a quick, comprehensive, and effective inquiry. We are hopeful that its findings will be made public, possibly through the media," Peskov remarked.

Peskov also mentioned the summoning of the German ambassador to Moscow, Alexander Lambsdorff, following the circulation of the controversial conversation about Crimea. The Russian state agency RIA Novosti showcased a video supposedly capturing the German diplomat's arrival at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The summoning of the German ambassador was in relation to the disclosed talks of German officers concerning Crimea," RIA reported.

However, Berlin has refuted these claims. "Our ambassador attended a meeting at the Russian foreign ministry that had been scheduled long in advance," a German foreign ministry spokesman told Al Jazeera.

Source: Anadolu, Al Jazeera/RIA