Russia has issued a stern warning to Germany regarding the possible supply of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, labeling such a move as direct involvement in the ongoing conflict. The warning comes after Friedrich Merz, the chancellor-in-waiting for Germany, expressed his openness to supplying the missiles, contingent on agreement with European partners. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, stated that if Ukrainian forces were to use the Taurus missiles to target Russian transport infrastructure, it would be seen as “direct participation” by Berlin in the hostilities.
The conflict, which has been ongoing for over three years, has seen heightened tensions over the supply of advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Russia has consistently criticized Western nations for providing long-range missiles, alleging that they enable Ukraine to strike deep within Russian territory. The United States and the United Kingdom have already supplied long-range missiles, but the Taurus missile, with its range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), would represent an even greater escalation.
Germany’s outgoing Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, had previously ruled out sending the Taurus missiles to Ukraine. However, Merz, leader of the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, has expressed a willingness to reconsider this stance, citing the importance of European unity in the decision-making process. While Britain has offered its support should Germany proceed with the supply, there is significant division within Germany itself.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, a member of Scholz’s SPD party, has remained cautious about the decision. He acknowledged that there are compelling arguments for and against sending the missiles, a sentiment echoed by other SPD members like Matthias Miersch, the party’s general secretary, who warned against contributing to an escalation and emphasized the desire to avoid becoming a direct combatant in the war.
As Germany’s new coalition government is set to be sworn in on May 6, the issue of supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine remains a key point of contention, with potential implications for European security and diplomatic relations.
