In the debate about possible Taurus deliveries to Ukraine and the eavesdropping scandal in the Bundeswehr, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz cannot avoid the affair. Fueled by Russian propaganda, Scholz’s weakness could now boomerang, an expert said.
The Kremlin is playing a ‘risky game’, Russia expert Alexander Friedman analyzed for ntv. In particular, he refers to the publication of the intercepted conversations of several Bundeswehr officers, some of whom revealed the amateurish security measures of the German army.
The big open question, however, is why Russia is now publicly promoting this aspect; It has long been known that Germany, as a supporter of Ukraine, also wants to see the Crimean Bridge destroyed – and that the use of the Taurus system could make this possible.
Diversion tactics at the right time
“You immediately see an image of the Second World War in your head; it is claimed that the Germans now want to continue where their ancestors started in the Second World War,” the historian interprets the propaganda. This fits neatly into the narrative that we are in conflict with the Western world – the fact that Germany is depicted as the ‘point of the spear’, according to the expert, fits in with the already fraught history of the two countries.
The timing of publication was certainly no coincidence. This was a good distraction tactic, especially on the day of the funeral of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny – with the help of influencers, an attempt was made to construct the image that Germany itself was preparing an attack on Russia.
Risky game on two levels
But Russia is playing a risky game on two levels, Friedmann continued. On the one hand, Scholz does not come across well with his Taurus blockade in the officers’ leaked conversation, which could change his opinion about the delivery of the system to Ukraine.
On the other hand, such a decision would probably make him even less popular among the population: if the traffic light coalition subsequently collapses as a result, from the current perspective the Union would probably lead the next government – their position is known anyway. The expert analyzes that Taurus would probably be delivered to Ukraine without a second thought.
Putin considers himself the greatest expert
The Russians’ tactical problem? Putin probably considers himself the country’s leading Germany expert — which is why he doesn’t seek advice from experts on the matter, Friedman says. In fact, it also fuels fear of war with Russia among the German population – not least the continuing nuclear threats play a role that should not be underestimated.
Nuclear threats? The Kremlin is pursuing more short-term goals
The accompanying warnings must also be taken seriously; the expert even draws a comparison with Hitler, who had already announced a number of his crimes in the 1920s – and then followed through with actions. Russia’s main goal is simply to intimidate European society, but the Kremlin is not thinking particularly strategically, Friedman says. Instead, the propaganda promises greater short-term success.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
