On Monday, Russian media published an audio recording of high-ranking German military officers discussing weapons which could be used by Ukrainian military in the war against Russia.
German officials immediately rejected any claims that the audio indicated Berlin was preparing for war against Moscow.
The leak follows comments from German federal defence minister Boris Pistorius of how his country must be war-ready, or kriegstüchtig. Two years ago this remark would have caused uproar in Germany, but not anymore.
Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron was criticised by European neighbours last week after suggesting it might be necessary to send ground troops to Ukraine. The Kremlin responded that any such deployment would lead to direct conflict between Russia and Nato.
Donald Trump says Gaza will be ‘turned over to the US by Israel’
Coalition leaders ‘very annoyed’ at letters from TDs in Lowry group pledging ‘case-by-case’ support
Irishman (40s) questioned by police in Hungary over death of former wife
Scotland v Ireland: Sam Prendergast set to retain place at outhalf with changes to be kept to a minimum
On today’s In the News podcast, Berlin correspondent Derek Scally discusses the implications of the leak and how European countries including France, Germany and Poland are preparing for an uncertain future overshadowed by an aggressive Russia.
Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Declan Conlon.
