Germany backs long-range Ukrainian strikes, says Putin to blame
Photo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Getty Images)
Germany’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep targets on Russian territory is a logical response to the growing wave of air attacks against Ukraine.
This was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, according to RND.
He dismissed Moscow’s criticism of the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons against targets deep inside Russian territory.
"The Russian president has repeatedly been offered the chance to come to the negotiating table, but he has refused every time. We have always made it clear that such behavior will not go without consequences," Wadephul said.
Commenting on reports of potential deliveries of German long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, the foreign minister added that Berlin would not make public statements about specific weapons systems "so as not to let Putin know exactly what we’re doing."
"This is responsible policy, but it will give Ukraine the ability to defend itself effectively," Wadephul added.
Approval for long-range strikes on Russia
Over the past three nights - from May 24 to 26 - Russia has significantly intensified its air attacks on Ukrainian territory, using strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
The strikes caused widespread damage to residential and industrial infrastructure, with civilian casualties reported, including children.
In response to the attacks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on May 26 that Ukraine faces no restrictions from Germany, France, the UK, or the US regarding the range of strikes it can carry out on Russian territory.
The Kremlin called such decisions "extremely dangerous" and claimed they contradict declarations of readiness for a peaceful resolution.
Merz also noted that Berlin would limit information about its arms deliveries to Ukraine, including the Taurus missile system.
Earlier, the German government had expressed readiness to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away.
