A war of words has erupted between Russia and Germany over a leaked audio recording purportedly of German military officials discussing weaponry for Ukraine, and potential Russian targets.
The Kremlin claimed Monday that the recording showed that the German military department "is substantively and specifically discussing plans for strikes on Russian territory," Russia Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday.
Reacting to the leak, Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Sunday accused Russia of conducting an "information war" against Berlin to create divisions within the country.
Pistorius said Sunday that the leak — an embarrassment for Berlin that raised questions over basic military security protocol — was "part of an information war that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is waging."
During the call, German officers were heard discussing the possible delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, possible strike targets such as the Crimean bridge, as well as stating that British troops were "on the ground" in Ukraine.