Poland eyes ATACMS supply to Ukraine to sway Germany on Taurus
Photo: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski (facebook_com_JankaOchojska)
Poland has urged Germany to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles Taurus. Warsaw hopes that the supply of ATACMS missiles will push Berlin, according to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski.
The Foreign Minister noted that the new supplies of American ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 km would be "a response to the growing Russian escalation." Sikorski hinted that perhaps the transfer of missiles from the United States would prompt German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to make a positive decision regarding Taurus.
"I hope the Chancellor feels encouraged by the events of the last few days," he said.
Sikorski added that the Russians have already destroyed 70% of Ukraine's energy capacities (presumably referring to thermal generation), which constitutes a war crime.
The Polish minister also expressed hope that "Germany will do more than it does" and reminded about the supply of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
Taurus for Ukraine
It is worth noting that Ukraine has already received long-range missiles from Britain, France, and the USA. The range of the provided missiles is up to 150-160 km. It is reported that the USA may also transfer ATACMS missiles to Ukraine with a range of up to 300 km.
In turn, Germany refuses to provide Ukraine with its long-range Taurus missiles. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz argues that Berlin cannot transfer weapons whose use it cannot control.
Western media explain that Scholz is likely afraid that Ukraine could use Taurus to strike Russia.
