Germany has sparked fury after being accused of a “flagrant abuse of intelligence” following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s claim that British troops have helped Ukraine launch long-range missiles at Russian troops.
Scholz, 65, revealed on Monday that German-made long-range missiles would require German troops to assist in the ongoing ground campaign.
He also argued that following the UK’s lead would make Germany a “participant in the war” between Russia and the ex-Soviet state.
The German Chancellor said delivering Taurus weapons systems would drag German troops too close to the frontline.
Olaf Scholz suggested UK troops were assisting Ukraine's ground campaign against Russia
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He added: “What is being done in the way of target control and accompanying target control on the part of the British and the French can't be done in Germany.
“Everyone who has dealt with this system knows that.
“German soldiers must at no point and in no place be linked to targets [the Taurus] system reaches.”
Ex-Commons Defence Select Committee chair Tobias Ellwood said: “This is a flagrant abuse of intelligence deliberately designed to distract from Germany's reluctance to arm Ukraine with its own long-range missile system.
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REUTERS“This will no doubt be used by Russia to racket up the escalator ladder.”
Norbert Rottgen, a senior MP from Angela Merkel's former ruling party, the CDU added: “The Chancellor's statement regarding France and Britain's alleged involvement in operating long-range cruise missiles used in Ukraine is completely irresponsible.”
Britain has opted to take a drastically different approach to Germany in its support for Ukraine.
France has also sent long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Olaf Scholz's comments have not been well-received in the UK
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The UK staioned a “small number” of troops in Ukraine in a support capacity.
In a statement on Tuesday, it was confirmed the soldiers were merely involved in medical training.
Responding to Scholz’s remarks, the Ministry of Defence simply referred queries to Kyiv on Tuesday.
A spokesman said: “Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow and its targeting processes are the business of the armed forces of Ukraine.
“The UK, along with other allies, is providing a range of equipment to Ukraine to help it counter Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression.”