Taurus missiles still a possibility for Ukraine, Merz's team says
Photo: Chief of Staff of the new German Chancellor Thorsten Frei (Getty Images)
The government of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not rule out the possibility of transferring Taurus missiles to Ukraine. But Berlin does not want to discuss this issue publicly, according to German Chancellor's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei, quoted by Tagesschau.
"We will carefully consider what is necessary to be able to effectively support Ukraine," Frei said.
But Merz's chief of staff criticizes the fact that the issue of supplying missiles is being discussed publicly. He does not want to encourage this, because he believes that public discussions are the wrong strategy.
When asked specifically about the Taurus missiles, Frei replied that there is a time for every weapon, and according to the respective military challenges.
German assistance for Ukraine
Germany is one of the leaders in providing military assistance to Ukraine. Berlin has provided the Ukrainian army with tanks, artillery, ammunition, anti-aircraft systems, including the latest air defense systems and missiles, and many other weapons.
However, Germany has not yet decided to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his party oppose the transfer of these missiles to Ukraine, as they believe it could lead to an escalation.
The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said that he was not against the transfer of missiles to Ukraine, but discussions are ongoing.
At the same time, Merz emphasized that Germany would no longer comment on plans to supply Taurus.
