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Analysis: Russia routinely intercepts calls – so why has it admitted to doing so now?
By Sean Bell, military analyst
News that the Russians have intercepted a conversation between senior German defence leaders is embarrassing, and exposes the risk of complacency concerning the use of insecure communications systems.
It is relatively simple to intercept telephone conversations, so Russian claims that they have recorded a 38-minute discussion between senior German military officials seems plausible.
The Russians claim that the recording is clear evidence that France and the UK have military forces on the ground in Ukraine helping the Ukrainian military operate Western missile systems. Although it is not clear whether the audio track has been doctored by the Russians, the German military officials should have been well aware of the risks involved in having secret conversations on insecure phones.
But the interesting question is why the Russians have admitted to eavesdropping on this occasion. Russia routinely intercepts calls, but by admitting it has intercepted a call, it will know that all military organisations will tighten up procedures and the opportunity to intercept sensitive information will be lost.
So why now?
Ukraine desperately needs more weapons. The UK’s Storm Shadow has provided Ukraine with a very effective long-range weapon that has been used to target Russian bridges, military HQs and a range of other targets, but supplies are running low.
The German Taurus missile offers a similar capability to Storm Shadow – it has a 300-mile range, 1000lb warhead and flies at around Mach 1.
Germany is considering ways in which it can increase military support to Ukraine, but Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz has – to date – made clear that he has no intention to send Taurus to Ukraine, or put German “boots on the ground”.
But Russia will be concerned if Taurus becomes an option for Ukraine that it could prove decisive. Therefore, as Russia has consistently done when the West has considered increasing the military aid for Ukraine, it has taken the opportunity to threaten Germany with consequences should a long-range missile like Taurus be considered.
Regardless, the West continues to be concerned about Russia’s long-term military ambitions in Europe. Ukraine needs weapons, and soon, and the West is running short of time in which to provide them.