The former head of German intelligence, August Hanning, has raised concerns that recent leaks from the German military, compromising British troop operations in Ukraine may be just the beginning of a more extensive security breach within NATO putting UK troops at risk.
Speaking to Bild newspaper on Monday night, Hanning said: “This leak could have been just the tip of the iceberg.”
The leaks in question involve a video call intercepted and published by Russia, disclosing crucial military information.
The conversation among German military officers included discussions on supporting Ukraine, and contemplating the potential use of Taurus missiles, which has ignited a debate in Germany about whether to supply these missiles.
Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, expressed deep concern over the leaks, stressing the multifaceted challenges they pose.
“There’s many aspects of this…why wasn’t basic concept protocols followed?”, he questioned.
He also highlighted the tensions revealed in the leak between senior German military officials advocating for missile deployment and the German Chancellor’s apparent focus on political survival.
Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, characterised the leak as part of Russia’s “information war” against the West, aimed at undermining Western resolve.
Downing Street, while acknowledging Germany as a close NATO ally, asserted that investigating the leak was “a matter for Germany”.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman warned against falling into the trap of Kremlin-driven misinformation, emphasising Russia’s historical tendency to spread disinformation. While urging Western unity, the spokesperson refrained from commenting on UK operations in Ukraine beyond acknowledging the presence of a “small number of troops” providing protection and training.
Ellwood underscored the broader implications of the leak, pointing to the Munich Security Conference’s frustration over Germany’s delay in sending military support comparable to that of the UK.
He noted the urgency for greater support to Ukraine, citing the unfulfilled deliveries of F-16s, artillery shells, and long-range weapon systems.
Former Army chief Lord Dannatt condemned the unencrypted conversation, suggesting that German air force officers involved should be “censured pretty heavily”.
While expressing disappointment, he refrained from confirming or denying the presence of British military in Ukraine. He also advocated for increased defence spending, arguing for a more substantial commitment to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
