German opposition leader Merz proposes conditional Taurus missile delivery to Ukraine
Friedrich Merz, head of Germany's Christian Democratic Union, suggested first lifting long-range weapons restrictions, then providing the Taurus missiles to Ukraine if Russian bombardments continue.
The head of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, Friedrich Merz, who may become the next chancellor of Germany, said he is ready to deliver long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine but only under certain conditions, according to Tagesschau.
The Taurus cruise missile has a range of around 500 km, which would give Ukraine the ability to strike deep into Russian territory on the military bases that are launching attacks on Ukrainian civilians. The German government, along with the United States, currently prohibits Ukraine from using western-supplied long-range weapons due to fears of nuclear escalation and NATO’s involvement in the war.
Merz, speaking on the ARD program Caren Miosga, suggested a two-step process, Tagesschau reports.
“If the [Russian] bombardments [on Ukraine] don’t stop, then the first step is this: lift the range restriction. And the second step is that we deliver the ‘Taurus’,” Merz stated.
He emphasized that this decision should be made at a European level, rather than unilaterally by Germany.
“And then Putin has it in his hands how far he wants to escalate this war further,” Merz added.
This stance contrasts with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s firm opposition to providing Taurus weapons to Ukraine.
Merz criticized the current coalition government’s approach to Ukraine policy, arguing that it lacks strategic consideration and transparency. He advocated for Europe to become more independent from the United States in supporting Ukraine, particularly in light of potential changes in US leadership following the upcoming presidential election.
Looking ahead to the next German federal election in 2025, Merz also announced his intention to push for increased defense spending. He warned that by 2028, the special fund for the Bundeswehr would be depleted, necessitating significant budget increases.
CDU leader justified this stance by pointing to Russia’s ongoing military buildup, which he claims could pose a threat to NATO territory within five to eight years.
“We must not make the same mistake again,” Merz cautioned, referring to the West’s previous miscalculation regarding Putin’s intentions toward Ukraine.
He argued that the consequences of underestimating Russia’s military ambitions a second time could be far more severe.
In July, Merz has also called for supplying fighter jets to Ukraine to help it regain air sovereignty amidst increasing Russian missile attacks.
Earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock supported supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, despite opposition from Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Related:
- Germany halts heavy weapon deliveries to Ukraine, Bild reports — but that’s not the full story
- Bloomberg: Biden to visit Germany on 18 Oct, Ramstein NATO meeting on Ukraine canceled
- Germany pledges €1.4 billion military aid package to Ukraine by year-end
- Germany FM supports supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles
