Scholz reiterates opposition to delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has firmly rejected calls for the transfer of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

He reinforced his stance during a recent event in Niedersdorf, Brandenburg, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

Scholz stated, “Despite the many who have persuaded me to hand over the Taurus to Ukraine, I will not supply cruise missiles that can reach Moscow.” He further emphasized, “I can and will assure you now of this: I will stick to this position."

In his remarks, Scholz also took aim at both ultra-left and far-right political factions that suggest pursuing peace talks as an alternative to providing military support to Ukraine. He characterized this viewpoint as “naive,” indicating his belief that effective support for Ukraine remains vital in the face of Russian aggression.

Germany has maintained a consistent policy of refusing to send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, even as other nations, including the UK, France, and the US, have supplied long-range weapons to bolster Ukraine's defence capabilities. This refusal has been a point of contention within both German and international discussions regarding military aid.

A poll conducted earlier this year revealed that a substantial majority of Germans backed Scholz’s decision to withhold the Taurus missiles from Ukraine, reflecting a significant level of public support for his cautious approach to military involvement in the conflict. As debates continue over the nature of support for Ukraine, Scholz’s administration remains committed to exploring diplomatic avenues while prioritizing Germany's national security interests.