Scholz reiterates opposition to Taurus missiles for Ukraine: 'You cannot play Russian roulette'
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has once again opposed the idea of transferring long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. He also criticized the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, who does not rule out the transfer of missiles if he heads the government, reports tagesschau.de.
Scholz accused Merz of risky policies at the party conference. According to him, Merz wants to present Russia with an ultimatum and blackmail it with the supply of Taurus missiles for Ukraine.
“All I can say is: be careful! You cannot play Russian roulette with Germany's security,” the chancellor said.
Scholz says when it comes to war and peace, “one needs a cool head.” He considers himself to be steady and prudent. Scholz also adds that he is ready for real negotiations on a possible peace, “but not over Ukraine's head.”
Taurus missiles for Ukraine
For many months, Ukraine has been asking the German government to provide long-range air-launched Taurus missiles to strike Russian targets. However, official Berlin remains cautious in such matters.
Earlier, Friedrich Merz said that he supported the transfer of Taurus in a phased process. But first, it is necessary to assess how Vladimir Putin will react to the ultimatum to stop strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine.
Early parliamentary elections are expected to be held in Germany in early 2025. Merz is one of the main candidates for chancellor, as he leads the largest opposition party with the highest rating.
The transfer of Taurus missiles is also supported by the leader of the Greens, Robert Habeck, who is also a candidate for chancellor. His party's rating is lower than the CDU has, but the Christian Democrats will most likely need a partner in a future coalition.
