UK supports providing German missiles to Ukraine, reports the Telegraph
Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has previously expressed his intention to supply Taurus missiles to Kiev, despite the outgoing government ruling out such a move. According to a report by The Telegraph on Wednesday, the UK would support Germany...
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Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has previously expressed his intention to supply Taurus missiles to Kiev, despite the outgoing government ruling out such a move.
According to a report by The Telegraph on Wednesday, the UK would support Germany if it decides to provide long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. British government sources noted that London has consistently advocated for arming Kiev with these German-made weapons, which have a range of 500 km and can strike targets deep within Russian territory. Moscow has cautioned that supplying long-range missiles to Kiev and permitting strikes on Russian territory would be viewed as an escalation of hostilities.
A British foreign policy official stated, “We continue to work with our partners, including Germany, to equip Ukraine as best we can to defend its sovereign territory,” commenting on the potential deliveries of Taurus missiles.
This report follows recent statements from Friedrich Merz, signaling his readiness to supply Taurus missiles to Kiev. “I have always said that I would do it,” Merz shared with German state broadcaster ARD on Sunday.
Incoming German Chancellor Merz observed, “Our European partners are already supplying cruise missiles… The British are doing it, the French are doing it, and the Americans are doing it,” making reference to the UK's Storm Shadow and France’s Scalp missiles.
He emphasized that any decision on the missiles must be made in conjunction with Berlin’s European partners. The CDU party, which Merz leads, contends that the missiles could be employed to target Russian command centers and supply routes, including the Kerch Bridge to Crimea.
This position sharply contrasts that of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has consistently declined to provide Taurus missiles to Kiev, expressing concerns that such a move could escalate the conflict and draw Germany directly into war with Moscow.
Merz is set to assume office in May, following the finalization of a coalition agreement between his Christian Democratic Union and Scholz’s Social Democrats. CDU defense spokesman Roderich Kiesewetter highlighted that the missile delivery issue “remains a point of contention” in coalition discussions.
Members of the SPD have raised concerns about the range and power of the Taurus missiles, arguing they present a greater risk of escalation compared to British or French systems. Party leader Matthias Miersch suggested this week that Merz might alter his stance once he receives classified intelligence regarding the missiles. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a member of the SPD, has previously articulated the position that there are “many good arguments” against the delivery, citing confidential national security concerns.
Moscow has consistently warned that Western arms supplies will not prevent it from achieving its objectives in the Ukraine conflict, asserting that these deliveries merely prolong the conflict and undermine peace initiatives.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
According to a report by The Telegraph on Wednesday, the UK would support Germany if it decides to provide long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. British government sources noted that London has consistently advocated for arming Kiev with these German-made weapons, which have a range of 500 km and can strike targets deep within Russian territory. Moscow has cautioned that supplying long-range missiles to Kiev and permitting strikes on Russian territory would be viewed as an escalation of hostilities.
A British foreign policy official stated, “We continue to work with our partners, including Germany, to equip Ukraine as best we can to defend its sovereign territory,” commenting on the potential deliveries of Taurus missiles.
This report follows recent statements from Friedrich Merz, signaling his readiness to supply Taurus missiles to Kiev. “I have always said that I would do it,” Merz shared with German state broadcaster ARD on Sunday.
Incoming German Chancellor Merz observed, “Our European partners are already supplying cruise missiles… The British are doing it, the French are doing it, and the Americans are doing it,” making reference to the UK's Storm Shadow and France’s Scalp missiles.
He emphasized that any decision on the missiles must be made in conjunction with Berlin’s European partners. The CDU party, which Merz leads, contends that the missiles could be employed to target Russian command centers and supply routes, including the Kerch Bridge to Crimea.
This position sharply contrasts that of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has consistently declined to provide Taurus missiles to Kiev, expressing concerns that such a move could escalate the conflict and draw Germany directly into war with Moscow.
Merz is set to assume office in May, following the finalization of a coalition agreement between his Christian Democratic Union and Scholz’s Social Democrats. CDU defense spokesman Roderich Kiesewetter highlighted that the missile delivery issue “remains a point of contention” in coalition discussions.
Members of the SPD have raised concerns about the range and power of the Taurus missiles, arguing they present a greater risk of escalation compared to British or French systems. Party leader Matthias Miersch suggested this week that Merz might alter his stance once he receives classified intelligence regarding the missiles. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a member of the SPD, has previously articulated the position that there are “many good arguments” against the delivery, citing confidential national security concerns.
Moscow has consistently warned that Western arms supplies will not prevent it from achieving its objectives in the Ukraine conflict, asserting that these deliveries merely prolong the conflict and undermine peace initiatives.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
