Scholz on Taurus missiles for Ukraine: We must help, but avoid escalation
Photo by Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor (Getty Images)
Germany must support Ukraine with everything necessary for its defense against Russia, but escalation must be avoided, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag.
"The need for us to do everything we can to help Ukraine remains unchanged. But at the same time, the need to do everything possible to prevent this war from escalating further and to prevent us from becoming a party to the war remains unchanged," said Scholz.
The Chancellor emphasized that his position on supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine remains unchanged. In this way, Germany will not bear responsibility for the escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
"I am against weapons we supply hitting deep into Russian territory. And I will not change my position on supplying cruise missiles from Germany," added Scholz.
He also clarified that he supports helping Ukraine in its war against Russia, but "not at the expense of pensions and healthcare."
Taurus missiles for Ukraine
Since last year, Ukraine has been asking Germany to supply Taurus missiles, which are capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 500 kilometers.
Although top officials in Germany have supported providing such assistance to Ukrainian defenders, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been firmly against it.
He justified his position by claiming that Ukraine could potentially strike Moscow with such missiles. However, it is important to note that Ukrainian defenders have not yet used any long-range missiles received from Western countries for strikes deep into Russia, as there is a corresponding prohibition in place.
