In a significant development regarding military support for Ukraine, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has expressed strong support for delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. This proposal has reignited a heated debate within Germany about the implications of such a move, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Russia.
On April 19, 2025, during a segment on Deutschlandfunk, Merz stated that he believes supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine is essential for enhancing its defense capabilities against Russian aggression. In contrast, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has voiced concerns, with foreign policy expert Stegner arguing that delivering these missiles would not contribute to ending the war and could escalate Germany's involvement in the conflict.
Stegner emphasized that the use of Taurus missiles would require German soldiers to assist in targeting, which he believes raises serious questions about Germany's potential role in the war. "We cannot discuss all the details of such a weapons delivery publicly," he cautioned, highlighting the sensitive nature of military assistance.
The backdrop to this debate includes a warning from the Russian Foreign Ministry, which regards any deployment of Taurus missiles against Russian targets as a direct involvement of Germany in the Ukraine war. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the ministry, stated, "A strike with these missiles against Russian facilities will be seen as direct participation by Germany alongside the regime in Kiev, with all the consequences that entails." This statement underscores the heightened tensions surrounding military support for Ukraine.
Merz's proposal is notable as he diverges from the previous stance of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has refrained from sending Taurus missiles due to fears of escalating the conflict. On April 13, 2025, Merz suggested that Germany could deliver these missiles in collaboration with European partners, referencing similar deliveries by the United Kingdom and France. CDU defense politician Roderich Kiesewetter supported this view, arguing that Taurus missiles could effectively disrupt Russian supply lines.
Despite Merz's advocacy, the SPD remains firmly opposed to the idea. SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch reiterated the party's position, stating, "We have always been against this, and I assume we do not want to escalate or become a party to the war." He pointed out the SPD's official resolution against the delivery of Taurus missiles and emphasized the need for a joint decision-making process with the CDU.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev has praised Merz's comments, describing the Taurus system as "far superior to Russian systems." He expressed confidence that Ukrainian forces would find effective applications for the missiles, reinforcing the urgency for military support from Germany.
The debate has also attracted attention from international allies. Reports suggest that the British government is prepared to support a German decision to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, indicating a potential alignment among European partners on this issue. According to The Telegraph, a senior British official noted that support from the UK could be instrumental in convincing Germany to proceed with the delivery.
As the discussions evolve, the potential implications of delivering Taurus missiles are significant. The missiles have an approximate range of 500 kilometers, allowing them to target deep within Russian territory, which raises concerns about the escalation of military conflict. In contrast, the short-range missiles provided by the US and European allies have a more limited reach.
Former Ukrainian Ambassador Andrij Melnyk has called for immediate action, urging Merz to announce the delivery of 150 Taurus missiles on May 6, 2025, the day he is expected to be elected as Chancellor. In an open letter, Melnyk stated, "Your success as Chancellor depends not only on the future of the Federal Republic but also on the fate of Ukraine and all of Europe." He argued that the delivery should proceed without conditions, emphasizing the need to halt Russian advances.
As the debate continues, it remains unclear how the coalition government will ultimately respond to the proposals surrounding the Taurus missiles. Miersch's comments reflect a cautious approach, with the SPD emphasizing the importance of consensus in foreign policy decisions. He stated, "We will make these decisions together when it comes to strengthening Ukraine."
In summary, the discussion surrounding the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine encapsulates the broader challenges facing Germany as it navigates its role in the ongoing conflict. With various political factions expressing differing views, the outcome of this debate could significantly impact Germany's military support for Ukraine and its relationship with Russia. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the coalition's response and the potential ramifications of any decisions made.
