3. There is always tradeoff between exposing what you know and losing the source because the adversary changes comms and procedures. So these conversations were probably considered expendable but likely aren't the only source/method.

3/3

2. If a Western govt is the source, they are sending a msg: we know Trump Admin is in the bag for RUS and that RUS leaders are manipulating US negotiators. Big embarrassment for US. Could slow the process at least a little while.

2/

A decision 10 years late, but nevertheless correct by Chancellor Merz. Unfortunate that neither Scholz nor Merkel were willing to take this on. As with defense capabilities and economic vulnerability, Germany is finally digging out from far too many years of geopolitical and geoeconomic complacency