Putin’s masterful spy op leaves Scholz in the cold
POLITICOMar 05
Germany Recalls Envoy to Russia Over Cyberattack
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The Facts
Germany on Monday recalled its ambassador to Moscow, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, to protest Russian cyberattacks on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and German firms.
Though Lambsdorff's recall is temporary, a foreign ministry spokesperson said the government is taking the alleged cyberattack "very seriously."
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin's spies have discredited Germany's chancellor, orchestrated discord, and hindered Ukraine's arms acquisition. A leak exposed German officials discussing sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, conflicting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's position. If not confronted, Putin's strategic espionage tactics will influence Ukraine's missile support plans significantly.
Pro-Russia narrative
Germany’s claims of a Russian role in the alleged cyber-attack are baseless and aimed at stoking anti-Russian sentiment. German officials have been threatening consequences without specifying details. Russia has consistently denied its involvement. German agencies have failed to provide any evidence to support their media's version of alleged links to Moscow. It only damages the Russian-German relationship further.
Narrative C
Germany must brace for prolonged confrontation with and meddling in its internal affairs by Russia, given Putin's ambitions beyond Ukraine. Chancellor Scholz's cautious approach contrasts with calls for a more assertive German role in Europe's security landscape. He must wake up to the geopolitical realities and re-evaluate Germany's defense posture.
Nerd narrative
There's a 2% chance that Russia will annex part of any Baltic country by 2035, according to the Metaculus prediction community.