Despite US billions

No stands: Scholz does not want to deliver Taurus to Kiev

Olaf Scholz does not want to give in on the Taurus issue.(Bild: AP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has announced that he still does not want to supply Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine. The USA, on the other hand, wants to grant Kiev access to more powerful weapons. However, the Social Democrat does not want to be swayed by this.

Scholz wants to stick to his no to the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, even if the USA were to deliver its ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. At a press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, he said in response to a question about this: As far as Taurus was concerned, "my decision will not change".

Scholz emphasizes German role
The Chancellor reiterated that Germany and the UK were the most important suppliers of weapons to Ukraine, which had been attacked by Russia, and referred in particular to the extensive support that Germany had provided in the areas of artillery and air defense.

The Taurus has a range of up to 500 kilometers.(Bild: AFP)

"My decision is very clear as far as the one weapon system is concerned. But my decision is also clear that we will continue to be the biggest supporter of Ukraine in Europe, that we will continue to be the two who do the most with the UK."

US Congress approves billion-euro package
After a months-long impasse, the US Congress approved Ukraine aid worth around 61 billion US dollars (57 billion euros) late on Tuesday evening (local time) with the consent of the Senate. The money could be used to enable the delivery of ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers.

So far, Ukraine has only received missiles with a range of 165 kilometers from the USA. This is therefore a qualitatively new step in supporting Ukraine.

Has the red line been reached?
Up to now, Scholz has always been guided by the USA when supplying new quality weapons systems. This was the case with the provision of long-range artillery and also with the Leopard 2 tanks, which were only sent to Ukraine after the USA had agreed to supply its Abrams tanks. However, despite the US decision, Scholz is now sticking to his refusal regarding the cruise missiles.