Germany’s SPD refuses Taurus missiles to Ukraine, leaves NATO, peacekeeping questions unanswered

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has reiterated its opposition to supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, pledging in its election programme that arms deliveries will continue "with caution and consideration."

The SPD also emphasized its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia, but did not address key security concerns such as NATO membership or peacekeeping forces, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

Ahead of the federal election in February, the SPD reaffirmed its stance against sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine. "For us, it is clear that Germany and NATO must not become parties to the war," the party said in a 62-page draft of its election programme. "Therefore, we stand by the decision of Chancellor Olaf Scholz not to provide Taurus cruise missiles from Bundeswehr stocks."

While the SPD's draft commits to ongoing diplomatic, military, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, it added, "Ukraine must be able to engage in potential negotiations on equal terms with Russia." The party stressed that it would not accept a peace imposed by Russia "at the expense of Ukraine."

However, the programme makes no mention of Ukraine's potential NATO membership, the idea of a peacekeeping force, or additional security guarantees, leaving key questions unresolved.

In contrast, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, has expressed strong support for the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine. During a visit to Kyiv last week, Merz pledged to supply the long-range missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometres. "Our position is clear: We want to enable your army to reach military bases in Russia," Merz said, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Merz added that the aim of supplying Taurus missiles was not to target Russian civilians or infrastructure, but to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself. "The goal of military support must always be to end this war as quickly as possible and enable peace," he stated.

CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter echoed Merz’s remarks, stating, "We are ready to deliver Taurus cruise missiles, to do everything to ensure Ukraine's victory, as Friedrich Merz said."

Kiesewetter also voiced support for sending German peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, saying, "We are prepared to send troops to secure the peace."

The debate over arms supplies to Ukraine is set to remain a key issue in the upcoming federal election, with the SPD and CDU holding differing views on the extent of military support.

By Aghakazim Guliyev