German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed opposition to sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, saying the move would be “irresponsible.”
Speaking before members of parliament, Scholz claimed that the weapons in question can only be used with German operators as support.
“From my point of view, this is a very long-range weapon,” he said. “Given the significance of not losing control over targets, this weapon could not be used without the deployment of German soldiers.”
Scholz added that sending the much-awaited missiles to Kyiv could be viewed as Berlin’s direct involvement in the war, which he said “is a line that I — as chancellor — do not want to cross.”
Germany has become the second biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, providing more than 17 billion euros ($18.5 billion) in weapons and equipment.
No Trust?
Scholz’s position has reportedly irked members of the opposition pushing for the delivery of the Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
Conservative lawmakers even suggested that the chancellor does not trust Kyiv’s ability to use the weapons responsibly.
“We trust Ukraine — that’s why Germany is by a long distance the biggest supplier of weapons among the European states,” Scholz responded.
Nevertheless, he said it remains central that the German government carefully considers every decision with regard to the situation in the war-ravaged country.
“Prudence is not something that one can qualify as a weakness, as some do,” the chancellor stressed. “Prudence is something that the citizens of our country are entitled to.”
‘Making Excuses’
Ukraine has long requested Berlin send its long-range Taurus missiles to help counter Russian attacks.
The weapon has a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), far enough to strike deep into Russian territory.
Experts have already said the missiles do not require German soldiers to effectively operate, contrary to Scholz’s claim.
Conservative lawmaker Norbert Röttgen said the chancellor is just finding excuses and is not explaining his real motives.