Berlin's clandestine calculus: Germany mulls missiles for Ukraine
If Germany delivers Taurus missiles to Ukraine, it will do so unofficially, as recently stated by Johannes Wadephul, head of German diplomacy. The topic of weapon delivery was discussed during Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to Berlin.
What do you need to know?
- Germany is considering delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine, but the decision might be made unofficially, which means it may not be known for an extended period.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but details regarding the missile transfer remain confidential.
- The German political scene is divided on military support for Ukraine, complicating government decisions.
What are the behind-the-scenes factors of the decision to deliver Taurus missiles?
However, if Germany decides to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, it will likely be done unofficially. - If Ukrainians receive this weapon from Germany, it will probably be unofficially. We may not be aware of it for quite some time - says Łukasz Jasiński, an analyst on Germany at the Polish Institute of International Affairs, in an interview with Radio Zet. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently took office, must balance the desire to support Ukraine with his coalition partners' opposition.
During the previous government, when the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany) was the largest ruling party and Olaf Scholz was chancellor, the Taurus missiles became a symbol of the cautious policy of supporting Ukraine. For social democrats, sending missiles to Ukraine that could hit targets within Russian territory is still challenging to accept, he points out.
Why is the decision to deliver weapons so complicated?
During a meeting with Zelensky, Merz announced €5 billion (£4.3 billion) of new military aid for Ukraine, but details regarding the Taurus missiles remain undisclosed. - Merz admitted that he discussed the Taurus missiles with Zelensky, but insisted he would not disclose the details of this meeting - informs Jasiński. The decision to deliver weapons is difficult due to coalition partners' reluctance and the necessity to train Ukrainian soldiers on handling technologically advanced weapons.
- Therefore, Chancellor Merz's hands are somewhat tied. He will try various ways to circumvent the coalition partners' opposition - he emphasises.
What are the reactions to a possible delivery of missiles?
Russian military analyst Igor Korotchenko warns that the use of Taurus missiles by Ukraine could be seen as Germany entering into war with Russia. - If it is confirmed that Ukraine struck with Taurus cruise missiles on targets deep within Russian territory, we would have to classify it as Germany entering into war with Russia - Korotchenko stated. The German debate on military support for Ukraine is complex, and society is still grappling with historical burdens.
What are Germany's further plans regarding Ukraine?
During the meeting in Berlin, memorandums of understanding were signed regarding cooperation between the defence industries of Germany and Ukraine. - This solution envisions closer and long-term cooperation between the defence industries of both countries - predicts Jasiński. This cooperation may include assembling Taurus missiles in Ukraine or creating similar rockets based on them.
