Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Germany might require “UK leadership” in order to get the support required to deliver crucial missiles to the Ukrainian frontline. The country is set to welcome in its new coalition government next month, made up of Chancellor in waiting Friedrich Merz’s Christan Democratic Union (CDU) party and the centre-left Social Democrats (SDP).
But infighting between the two parties has hampered attempts to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles as the Kyiv’s stocks of crucial ammunition begin to dwindle. Roderich Kiesewetter, a senior MP in the CDU has suggested that endorsement from the British could prove crucial in breaking the impasse and ensuring that the long-range missile falls into Ukrainian hands. He said: “The Taurus delivery remains a point of contention for the time being … I do not yet see any consensus here, especially as the parties have not agreed on the key security policy issues in the coalition agreement.
“I don’t yet see the Taurus being delivered. Any influence by UK leadership to finally convince Germany to deliver Taurus might help and is highly welcomed.”
Earlier this week, Mr Merz suggested in an interview that the authorisation for the missiles to be provided would only be given once the British and French confirmed they were in agreement with the delivery.
He said: “Our European partners are already supplying cruise missiles.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
“The British are doing it, the French are doing it, and the Americans are doing it anyway, this must be jointly agreed. And if it’s agreed, then Germany should take part.”
His comments were followed by claims by the SDP that there were also “many good arguments” against sending the missiles, heightening fears that Ukraine could be forced to go without.
Merz’s cautious predecessor Olaf Scholz has continually refused to provide the Ukrainians with the vital kit, fearing that to do so could bring Germany and Russia into direct conflict.
Taurus missiles have a longer range than the British supplied Storm Shadow missiles and would be warmly welcomed by Kyiv, providing them with an ability in theory to hit Moscow.
Commentators have interpreted Mr Merz’s comments as a sign that his administration will take a more robust stance on Russia compared to the government of Mr Scholz.
Mr Kiesewetter believes that Mr Scholz’s caution in not sending the missiles served only to embolden Putin as he expressed his hope that the country’s stance on Moscow would now become firmer.
He added: “The delay and blockade of the delivery of this far-reaching system by chancellor Scholz was a major mistake and a de facto failure to provide assistance, which has weakened European security and led to more victims in Ukraine.”