German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has announced that he will not continue to supply Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine. The US, on the other hand, wants to give Kiev access to longer-range weapons. But the Social Democrat does not want to be impressed by that.
Scholz wants to stand by his no to supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, even if the US supplies its ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. At a news conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, when asked about it, he said: As for Taurus, “my decision will not change.”
Scholz emphasizes the German role
The Chancellor reiterated that Germany and Britain were the main arms suppliers to Ukraine, which was under attack by Russia, and referred in particular to the extensive support Germany had provided in the areas of artillery and air defense.
“My decision is very clear when it comes to one weapon system. But my decision is also clear: we will remain the biggest supporter of Ukraine in Europe, that we will remain the two that do the most, together with Great Britain.”
The US Congress approves a multi-billion dollar package
After months of deadlock, the US Congress, with the approval of the Senate, approved aid to Ukraine worth about 61 billion dollars (57 billion euros) late on Tuesday evening (local time). The money could enable the delivery of ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers.
So far, Ukraine has only received missiles with a range of 165 kilometers from the US. This is a qualitatively new step in supporting Ukraine.
Red line reached?
Until now, Scholz has always focused on the US when it comes to supplying new quality weapon systems. This was the case with the delivery of long-range artillery and also with the Leopard 2 tanks, which were sent to Ukraine only after the US agreed to deliver their Abrams tanks. Despite the American decision, Scholz now maintains his rejection of cruise missiles.
Source: Krone
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