Germany stands firm on refusal to send long-range missiles to Ukraine
2 Min Read
Scholz's government has been under growing domestic and international pressure over its stance on Ukraine.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends a joint press conference with Kenya's President William Ruto at the chancellery in Berlin, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated on Friday that Germany will not change its stance on refusing to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite increasing international pressure and ongoing discussions between Western allies.
Speaking at a press conference, Scholz said, "Germany has made a clear decision about what we will do and what we will not do. This decision will not change."
His comments come as US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were set to meet in Washington to discuss the possibility of allowing Kiev to use Western-provided long-range missiles to target Russian positions. The move has raised tensions with Moscow, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning that such action could be seen as NATO entering into direct conflict with Russia.
Both the US and the UK have already supplied Ukraine with ATACMS and Storm Shadow long-range missiles, respectively. However, Germany has remained cautious, repeatedly refusing to send its Taurus missiles over fears of escalating the ongoing war.
When questioned about the Washington talks, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that while the discussions were "the business of the US and Britain," allowing Ukraine to strike within Russian territory is "fully in line with international law."
Read more: Scholz fears complicity if Germany supplies Kiev with Taurus missiles
Germany, the second-largest military aid provider to Ukraine after the US, has committed billions in support since the conflict began.
Despite this, the government has announced plans to halve its military aid budget for Ukraine next year. The reduction has sparked concerns, particularly as Ukraine continues to seek increased Western support for its conflict with Russia.
Scholz's government is also under growing domestic pressure over its stance on Ukraine, following significant gains by opposition parties in recent regional elections. These parties have voiced skepticism over Berlin's continued military aid to Kiev.
‘Germany will not send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine,' said scholz
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) September 14, 2024
‘We have made a clear decision about what we will and will not do. This decision will not change,' he added.
How much longer do we have to put up with this chancellor? pic.twitter.com/CEZ10LCffH
