Berlin/London: Germany faces accusations of a ‘flagrant abuse of intelligence’ following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s assertion that British troops are assisting Ukraine in launching long-range missiles at Putin’s forces.
Scholz made the statement on Monday, emphasizing that Germany would not supply German-made long-range missiles as it would necessitate German troops’ involvement on the ground, asserting that aligning with the UK’s actions would make Germany a ‘participant in the war.’
He expressed concern that deploying Taurus weapons systems would bring German troops too close to the front lines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, highlighting logistical challenges in controlling targets that differ from those in British and French military operations.
Scholz’s remarks mark the first time British troops have been implicated in supporting Ukrainian forces in a military capacity.
Former chairman of the Commons defence committee, Tobias Ellwood, criticized Scholz’s statement as a deliberate diversion from Germany’s reluctance to provide Ukraine with its own long-range missile system, warning that Russia could exploit this narrative to escalate tensions further.
Both Britain and France have announced plans to send Storm Shadow and Scalp long-range missiles, respectively, to Ukraine.
Furthermore, it was revealed on Tuesday that the UK had deployed a ‘small number’ of troops to Ukraine in a support role, including involvement in medical training. However, the extent of direct military support to Ukrainian troops remains unclear.
The intelligence community has condemned Scholz’s comments, with Justin Crump, CEO of Sibylline, describing them as a boon to Russian propagandists seeking to undermine NATO cohesion and Kyiv’s support ahead of crucial US and UK elections.
Moreover, Norbert Rottgen, a senior MP from Angela Merkel’s former ruling party, the CDU, denounced the chancellor’s statement as ‘completely irresponsible’.
