The defense minister of Germany has alleged that Russia is engaging in an “information war” with the intention of fostering internal divisions within the country.

These remarks come in response to the release of a 38-minute audio recording of a meeting among senior German military officials, where discussions included topics such as supplying weapons to Ukraine and a potential strike by Kyiv on a bridge in Crimea.

Russian media published the recording, leading Moscow officials to seek an explanation. Germany, deeming it an apparent act of eavesdropping, has initiated an investigation into the matter.

“The incident is much more than just the interception and publication of a conversation … It is part of an information war that Putin is waging,” defence minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday, The Guardian reported.

“It is a hybrid disinformation attack. It is about division. It is about undermining our unity,” he said.

In the leaked call, participants are heard discussing the potential supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, a proposition that Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly opposed thus far.

Kyiv has persistently sought Taurus missiles from Germany, capable of reaching targets up to 500km away.

The conversation also delves into the utilization of long-range missiles provided to Kyiv by France and Britain, along with discussions about the training of Ukrainian soldiers.

As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, Kyiv has intensified its pleas for increased military support from allies.

Facing a challenging frontline situation where soldiers are outmatched and outnumbered, ammunition shortages have become evident, as reported by The Guardian.

Germany’s ARD broadcaster labeled the leak as a “catastrophe” for the German secret services.

According to Der Spiegel magazine, the video conference occurred on the WebEx platform rather than a secure internal army network.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, presently deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, remarked on Sunday that the recording suggested Berlin was gearing up for a confrontation with Moscow.

Written by B.C. Begley