Russia Issues Stern Warning to Germany Over Potential Taurus Missile Supply to Ukraine

On Thursday, Russia declared that it would interpret Ukrainian attacks on transport infrastructure utilizing German-made Taurus long-range missiles as a «direct involvement» of Germany in the conflict.

This statement followed comments from Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor-in-waiting, who expressed a willingness to supply the missiles to Ukraine.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, informed reporters that «any strike by Taurus on critical Russian transport facilities would be seen as Germany’s direct participation in the hostilities.»

The Kremlin issued a similar caution to Berlin on Monday, warning that supplying Taurus missiles could lead to further escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over three years.

While the outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously dismissed the idea of sending these missiles to Kyiv, Merz indicated on Sunday that he would consider it if Germany coordinated with its European allies.

Britain has already expressed its intention to back Germany should it decide to proceed with the missile deliveries.

Russia has consistently condemned Western nations for providing Ukraine with long-range weaponry, contending that these arms are used to target deep inside Russian territory.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom have sent long-range missiles to Ukraine, but Taurus missiles are particularly concerning due to their range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles).

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, from Scholz’s SPD party, took a cautious stance on the matter during a party event in Hanover this week, stating, «There are compelling arguments for the delivery and deployment of Taurus missiles, as well as many valid reasons against it.»

Pistorius is likely to remain in his position in Germany’s incoming government, which is expected to be sworn in on May 6, consisting of a coalition between the SPD and Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance.

In contrast, other SPD members have been more decisive in their stance. Matthias Miersch, the party’s general secretary, stated on public television Wednesday, «We have consistently opposed this. I assume we do not wish to contribute to an escalation and do not want to become a party in the conflict,» reflecting Scholz’s longstanding concerns.