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Ukraine seeks to shift Scholz's position on Taurus missiles supply - Zelenskyy

Ukraine seeks to shift Scholz's position on Taurus missiles supply - Zelenskyy Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Andrii Puzanov, RBC-Ukraine)
Author: Daryna Vialko

Ukraine is working to change German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's position on supplying long-range Taurus missiles. Ukrainian defenders could destroy more Russian military targets with them, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference with Olaf Scholz.

According to the Ukrainian President, discussions during today's talks with Scholz included strengthening Ukraine's air defense. He emphasized that Ukraine is grateful for the German IRIS-T systems.

Zelenskyy specified that Ukraine lacks systems to protect 20 critical facilities due to heavy Russian missile attacks.

Additionally, the President mentioned that the issue of supplying long-range Taurus missiles was raised during the meeting with the Chancellor.

"We share common views with Olaf on some issues, but there are also differences. We are constantly working to find more common ground on the Taurus issue," said the President.

He reminded that Ukraine had worked on the positions of Germany, France, the UK, and the US regarding the supply and use of long-range weapons.

According to him, Ukrainian soldiers could use the Taurus to destroy even more Russian military targets.

Taurus for Ukraine

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not changed his position on providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles. The German leader is against such assistance, fearing it could lead to escalation.

On December 1, he once again rejected the idea of supplying missiles to Ukrainian defenders. Scholz believes that the transfer of the Taurus would be playing "Russian roulette" with Germany's security.