Growing tensions: Germany divided on missile support for Ukraine
Chancellor Friedrich Merz came under fire for inconsistent statements about Taurus missiles for Ukraine. A lack of agreement in the ruling coalition is causing tensions, especially during President Zelensky's visit to Berlin.
What do you need to know?
- Lack of agreement in the coalition: The German government has not yet reached a consensus on delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine. This issue is causing tensions within the coalition. Many politicians argue that circumstances should not be disclosed to the public.
- Chancellor Merz's declarations: Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that there are no longer any restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range missiles, which was interpreted as a change in Berlin's stance.
- Criticism from the CDU: Roderich Kiesewetter from the CDU criticized Merz for inconsistent statements.
Will Germany provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz found himself at the centre of criticism for his inconsistent statements about long-range Taurus missiles for Ukraine. According to Politico, the lack of agreement in the ruling coalition is causing tensions, especially during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin. On Monday, Merz suggested that there are no longer any restrictions on the use of missiles provided to Ukraine by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
What are the reactions to Merz's declarations?
The Chancellor's declarations met with criticism from conservative politician Roderich Kiesewetter from the CDU. He commented on platform X that there are no signs Germany would supply Taurus missiles. He pointed out that the lack of agreement among coalition members makes it difficult to transfer this weapon, which could reach targets up to 500 kilometres away. Kiesewetter emphasized that Merz's statements do not help in efforts to agree on a common position.
What are the coalition members' positions?
According to Politico, Merz's words were understood as the first step towards changing Berlin's stance on providing Taurus missiles to Ukraine. However, the next day, the Chancellor balanced his declaration, suggesting that the Ukrainian army can use foreign weapons to strike military targets outside Ukraine's borders. Lars Klingbeil, the finance minister from the SPD, a coalition partner of the CDU, stated that there has been no change in the German government's position, which could lead to an internal government dispute.
