US long-range missiles to Ukraine reignites German debate

The announcement by the US that it had already provided Ukraine with long-range missiles has drawn focus to the ongoing debate in Germany over the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukrainian forces. 

The US weapons system, called Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), has a range of up to 300 kilometres (180 miles), according to DW.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with the majority of German lawmakers, have repeatedly refused to send Ukraine long-range Taurus weapons system, arguing that doing so would bring Germany into direct conflict with Russia. 

Scholz reiterated his opposition to providing Taurus missiles at a press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on April 24. 

"My decision will not change," Scholz said, hours before the US disclosed it had quietly delivered ATACMS as part of an assistance package in March.

An unnamed senior US defense official on April 25 told reporters that delivering Taurus was up to Germany, but that given the US decision on supplying ATACMS, and similar decisions in London and Paris to provide long-range cruise missiles, "we would certainly hope that this could be a factor," on persuading Germany to change its mind.