German defense chief says Ukraine no longer needs Taurus missiles

Pistorius said the situation on the front line in Ukraine remains largely stable, with no major changes along the line of contact, although both sides continue to suffer heavy losses.

He said Ukrainian forces are already effectively striking Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries and logistics facilities, using drones.

Pistorius does not believe Ukraine still needs Taurus missiles.

"The situation has never looked as good as it does now. There is hardly any movement on the battlefield. Sometimes a few kilometers in one direction, sometimes in the other, but always with incredible losses for the Russian armed forces. And most importantly, Ukraine is increasingly succeeding in hitting targets inside Russia, thereby destroying oil refineries and military logistics," the minister said.

Taurus missiles for Ukraine

While in opposition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz repeatedly said he intended to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles for strikes on Russian territory.

After taking office, Merz did not change his position. In July last year, the German chancellor did not rule out transferring these weapons to Ukraine.

Yet, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said during a visit to Kyiv last year that Berlin was not considering supplying Ukraine with the missiles.

At the end of last year, members of the German parliament called on Merz to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles, arguing that the chancellor should follow through on what he had rightly demanded while in opposition.

However, Merz recently said he no longer sees any point in supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as he considers Ukrainian-made weapons to be more effective.