On Thursday, Russia stated that it would consider Ukrainian attacks on transportation infrastructure utilizing German-made Taurus long-range missiles as a form of “direct involvement” in the conflict by Germany.
This statement followed remarks from Friedrich Merz, the chancellor-in-waiting of Germany, who expressed a willingness to provide the missiles to Ukraine.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, addressed reporters, stating, “A Taurus strike on any critical transport infrastructure in Russia… would be viewed as Germany directly participating in hostilities.”
The Kremlin had previously issued a similar warning to Berlin, asserting that the provision of Taurus missiles could intensify the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over three years.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously dismissed the idea of sending the missiles to Kyiv; however, Merz indicated on Sunday that he would be open to the possibility if Germany coordinated with its European allies.
Britain has already expressed its readiness to support Germany should it choose to supply the missiles.
Russia has consistently condemned Western nations for supplying long-range weaponry to Ukraine, asserting that Kyiv employs these arms to target locations well within Russian borders.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom have previously delivered long-range missiles to Ukraine.
However, Taurus missiles are notable for having a greater range, capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) away.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, part of Scholz’s SPD party, approached the matter with caution during a party event in Hanover this week.
“There are compelling reasons to deliver and utilize Taurus missiles. Conversely, there are also many significant arguments against it,” he stated.
Pistorius is expected to maintain his position in the new German government, which will be sworn in on May 6, representing a coalition between the SPD and Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance.
Nevertheless, other SPD members have presented a more definitive stance.
“We have consistently opposed this,” said Matthias Miersch, the party’s general secretary, during a public television appearance on Wednesday.
“I believe we do not wish to contribute to an escalation here or to be seen as a party to the conflict,” he reiterated, reflecting Scholz’s longstanding apprehensions.
