Berlin under fire: Moscow warns against missile move

Moscow warns Berlin. In response to Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU/CSU, who suggested supplying missiles to Ukraine, Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, issued a warning. She cautioned that such a move could have serious repercussions.

Spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova

Bildquelle: © PAP | AA, Abaca

What you need to know

Moscow reacted to the possibility of Germany delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine, viewing it as potential German involvement in the conflict on Kyiv's side.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU, suggested supplying missiles, highlighting the importance of agreeing on this with European partners.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed doubts, citing numerous arguments against such a decision.

Moscow's reaction to the potential delivery of Taurus missiles

Moscow has taken a stance on the possible delivery of German Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasised that this would be perceived as Germany's direct involvement in the conflict on Kyiv's side. Zakharova warned that a missile attack using Taurus missiles on Russian targets, including the Crimean Bridge, could have serious repercussions for Germany.

German politicians' views on missile delivery

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU, suggested to ARD the idea of supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine, stressing that this decision requires consultation with European partners. Conversely, Boris Pistorius, the German Defence Minister, expressed scepticism, highlighting numerous arguments against such action. Pistorius pointed out that without the support of the Bundeswehr, deploying these missiles would be impossible.

Potential consequences for Germany

Zakharova stated: "Since launching these cruise missiles is impossible without the direct assistance of Bundeswehr soldiers, any attack on Russian facilities or crucial transport infrastructure would be considered direct involvement of the Federal Republic of Germany in hostilities on Kyiv's side, with all resulting consequences for Germany."