Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko has urged German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to approve the delivery of Taurus missiles, citing the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine. In a commentary published in “Bild am Sonntag” the former boxing champion referenced Merz’s previous statements suggesting that Russian strikes on civilian targets should trigger the provision of such weaponry.
Klitschko expressed hope that the current German government will adhere to these prior considerations, describing the situation in Ukraine as “extremely difficult”. He highlighted the fierce defensive efforts of Ukrainian soldiers and emphasized the country’s urgent need for additional military support, particularly air defense systems to protect urban areas.
While acknowledging and appreciating Germany’s past assistance, Klitschko stressed that the escalation of the conflict by Russian President Vladimir Putin necessitates a larger-scale response from Europe. He warned of Putin’s apparent strategic ambition to subjugate the entirety of Ukraine, an objective carrying the risk of wider regional instability. “If we do not stop him in Ukraine, he will attack other countries afterward” Klitschko stated.
According to the Mayor, approximately 2,000 buildings in Kyiv alone have been destroyed. He asserted that Putin’s goal is to undermine the resolve of the Ukrainian people, a goal that he believes will ultimately fail.