Scholz on Taurus in Ukraine: Germany's position unchanged
Photo: Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Germany's position on the transfer of long-range missiles Taurus to Ukraine remains unchanged, stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
As noted by Scholz, Germany will continue to supply Ukraine with rocket artillery systems as this is its task. However, his decision on "one weapon system" remains clear, referring to the Taurus missiles.
"However, my decision is also clear in that we will continue to be Ukraine's biggest supporters in Europe, that we will continue to be the two countries, along with Great Britain, that do the most and the most important things for defense. I have already talked about the three Patriot batteries, and that is what is urgently needed," the chancellor added.
Scholz expressed hope that other countries would also be able to provide Patriots to Ukraine despite their own security requirements, as the systems can change the situation and strengthen the country's air defense.
Taurus for Ukraine
Despite Ukraine's request, Germany has for a long time refused to supply Kyiv with long-range Taurus missiles capable of hitting a target at a distance of 500 kilometers. Earlier, Scholz gave various reasons for the refusal, including, for example:
- The use of missiles requires the personal presence of military personnel.
- Improper use of missiles could pose a threat of strikes on Moscow.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, has called for a change in the aforementioned position and for providing Ukraine with the missiles. The CDU/CSU parliamentary faction has urged Sunak to put pressure on Scholz on this issue.
