Enlarge image
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius: A special weapons system is being discussed, even though Germany is Ukraine's second largest supporter
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has made critical comments about the dispute over the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine: He is “tired” of the ongoing debate, says the SPD politician during the budget discussions in the Bundestag. Although Germany is Ukraine's second largest supporter, only a special weapons system is being discussed. “As if it matters whether we deliver everything that is possible or whether we also take a bit of freedom and responsibility for ourselves in making this decision,” he says.
The Taurus is one of the Air Force's most modern missiles and can destroy targets such as a bunker complex, even from great heights and distances. However, at the beginning of October, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) decided not to deliver this weapon to Ukraine for the time being. The fear behind this is that because of the range of 500 kilometers, Russian territory could be hit with German weapons and that Germany would be drawn into the conflict.
In contrast to Scholz, the Greens and the FDP are pushing for the delivery of these cruise missiles. According to reports, both factions would like to include the demand for Taurus release in a joint traffic light motion on Ukraine, which the Bundestag is expected to pass in February. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group warns the coalition against backing away from this plan: "Anyone who purses their mouth must whistle," warns Union parliamentary group vice-president Johann Wadephul (CDU). "If you are serious about Ukraine, then it must be decided here in the German Bundestag."
lph/dpa