Taurus for Ukraine: Ukrainian expert explains Germany's delay with missiles
Illustrative photo: expert explains the delay with Taurus missiles (mbda-deutschland.de)
Germany may be hesitant to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine due to concerns that the missiles might not meet the specified performance characteristics and could "hit the wrong targets," states political strategist Taras Zahorodnii in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
The expert noted that the war in Ukraine has changed significantly. In particular, Ukraine has gained experience using Storm Shadow missiles.
"There are some technological innovations that may have been upgraded, including with the help of Ukrainian engineers. But Taurus missiles are arriving prepared for a type of war that no longer exists in Ukraine, and Russia is ready for that. Electronic warfare systems, interception experience, ATACMS — they've seen it all. They (the Russians – ed.) study and learn. They are also modernizing," Zahorodnii said.
In his opinion, Germany might transfer disassembled Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
"Roughly speaking, they could disassemble the Taurus and, if something goes wrong, claim they're not to blame — that the Ukrainians messed something up. This, in principle, is also part of the process — a way to avoid a direct transfer," he said.
Taurus missiles for Ukraine
Germany is one of the leading providers of military aid to Ukraine. However, discussions about the supply of long-range Taurus missiles are still ongoing.
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed providing Ukraine with German missiles, citing concerns that it could lead to escalation. However, the new head of the German government, Friedrich Merz, is less categorical on the issue of Taurus. Still, he prefers that discussions on the matter take place behind closed doors.
During President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin, Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement to fund the production of long-range weapons made in Ukraine.
