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British Foreign Minister David Cameron on March 7th in Berlin: “Do not contribute in any way to an escalation”

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Filip Singer / EPO

Fear of escalation beyond ties: Because Germany does not want to supply long-range weapons systems to Ukraine, Great Britain's Foreign Minister David Cameron is taking a stand.

For a delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Cameron believes a ring exchange is possible, in which Germany gives Taurus cruise missiles to Great Britain and London delivers further Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, as he told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung".

"We are determined to work closely with our German partners on this as on all other issues to help Ukraine," said Cameron.

"We are prepared to look at all options to achieve the maximum effect for Ukraine." But he would "not give any details and tell our opponents what we plan to do," said Cameron.

Most recently, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) caused a stir when he rejected delivery of the long-range weapon system on the grounds that Germany "could not do what the British and French are doing in terms of targeting and accompanying targeting."

The statements met with strong criticism from experts and also in London itself.

It has never been officially confirmed that Great Britain and France program the cruise missiles they supply themselves.

London reiterated that it was not participating directly in the operation in Ukraine.

When asked in the interview whether Germany could still be trusted in light of these statements, Cameron replied diplomatically: "We have a very strong partnership, bilaterally, in NATO and as leading supporters of Ukraine." Regarding the Air Force's Taurus meeting leaked by Russia, said Cameron that there are always lessons to be learned.

»I'm sure that will happen.

But we are good friends and partners.

And good friends and partners talk about this sort of thing behind closed doors.”

Debate about Taurus – also in the federal government

Apparently Russian intelligence had intercepted a meeting about the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles.

There has been debate in Germany - including within the federal government - about a possible delivery for weeks.

Parts of the FDP and the Greens are also positive about it.

Cameron dismissed concerns that the delivery of cruise missiles could lead to an escalation of the war.

It is “absolutely possible to impose restrictions on the use of these weapons to ensure that they do not in any way contribute to escalation.”

And they don't do that either."

They served to defend Ukraine.

Great Britain trusts Ukraine's corresponding assurances.

Cameron said they were happy with the arrangements they had made.

"Otherwise we wouldn't do it."

hba/dpa