German parliament rejects Taurus missile transfer to Ukraine

Germany's Bundestag has voted down a resolution introduced by the Alliance 90/The Greens calling for expanded military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including the immediate transfer of Taurus long-range cruise missiles and increased production of Patriot PAC-2 interceptor missiles.

The draft resolution, titled "End Russia's War Against Ukraine—Strengthen Ukraine Immediately in Military and Humanitarian Terms," received 79 votes in favor, while 510 lawmakers voted against it and one abstained.

Presenting the proposal, Robin Wagener, chairman of the German-Ukrainian Parliamentary Group, argued that Russia is preparing a new wave of attacks against Ukraine and urged Berlin to act more decisively.

Wagener said that during a recent large-scale Russian strike, none of the 29 ballistic missiles launched were intercepted due to a shortage of interceptor missiles, stressing that Germany should increase production of PAC-2 missiles and strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities.

He also criticized the government for delaying decisions on supplying Taurus missiles to Kyiv and for not taking stronger action against Russia's so-called "shadow fleet."

The resolution called for the immediate transfer of Taurus missiles from Bundeswehr stockpiles, expanded support for Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against military targets deep inside Russian territory, increased domestic production of Patriot PAC-2 interceptors, stronger air defence assistance, additional humanitarian, energy, and financial support, and tougher measures targeting Russia's shadow fleet.

Lawmakers from the governing CDU/CSU and SPD coalition said they remain committed to supporting Ukraine but opposed the Greens' proposal.

CDU/CSU lawmaker Knut Abraham said Taurus missiles could form part of Germany's military assistance to Ukraine, but stressed that any decision on their delivery should remain within the government's broader strategic framework.

By Vafa Guliyeva