Russia warns Germany against supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine

Summary

Russia warned Germany Thursday that supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles would be seen as direct participation in the conflict, escalating tensions further. German chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz expressed openness to the idea, despite outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's earlier rejection, while Defence Minister Boris Pistorius remained cautious. Russia has long criticized Western arms supplies, particularly long-range weapons capable of hitting deep into its territory, as seen with US and UK missile aid to Ukraine.

Additional Summaries

In a sign of growing tensions, Russia has warned that Germany could risk escalating the conflict if it supplies long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. The outgoing German chancellor expressed openness to such aid but emphasized caution, while opposition from key party members highlighted concerns about escalation and potential involvement in hostilities.

Russia has warned that supplying German Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine could be seen as direct participation in conflicts by Berlin, after Germany's chancellor-in-waiting offered the weapons to Kyiv. The Taurus missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometers, making them capable of targeting deep into Russian territory. However, Germany's defense minister remained cautious about the potential risks and has hinted at opposition from within his party, with some SPD members already expressing strong disapproval.

Russia has warned that Ukrainian strikes using German Taurus long-range missiles, particularly against critical transport infrastructure, are seen as direct participation in the conflict. This follows Germany's offer of supplying Taurus to Kyiv after Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz expressed openness. The Kremlin had previously advised caution on the same issue. Britain supports supplying Taurus if Germany decides to send them. Both the U.S. and UK have provided long-range weapons to Ukraine, but Russia has criticized Western support for such weapons.