In a pivotal session on Thursday, German lawmakers rallied behind a call for increased military support to Ukraine, stopping short, however, of explicitly endorsing the delivery of Taurus long-range cruise missiles, as proposed by the opposition.
Germany’s stance marks a significant shift as it emerges as the second-largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine, trailing only behind the United States. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been vocal in urging European allies to bolster their contributions to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
With plans to allocate over 7 billion euros ($7.5 billion) for weapons deliveries this year, Germany has already provided a range of military hardware including air-defense systems, tanks, and armored personnel carriers. Last week, a milestone bilateral security agreement was inked between Scholz’s government and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Despite these commitments, Scholz has remained non-committal on the delivery of Taurus missiles, which possess a striking range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), potentially extending their impact well beyond the immediate conflict zone. The Chancellor has refrained from definitively ruling out their delivery, opting instead to keep details vague.
This latest development underscores the delicate balance Germany navigates in its support for Ukraine, balancing strategic interests with diplomatic sensitivities. As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, the question of military aid to Ukraine remains a critical issue on the international stage.
NGI 
SKJ