The United Kingdom would support Germany if it decides to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine, according to reports by the Telegraph. London has long favored arming Kiev with the German-made weapon, which has a range of 500 kilometers and is capable of striking targets deep within Russian territory. However, Moscow has warned that the delivery of long-range weapons to Kiev and permission to attack Russian territory would be seen as an escalation of hostilities. “We continue to work with our partners, including Germany, to equip Ukraine as well as possible for the defense of its sovereign territory” said a British foreign affairs official to the newspaper regarding possible Taurus deliveries. The report came after recent statements by designee Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, who signaled his willingness to deliver Taurus rockets to Kiev. As CDU chief, Merz had previously shown openness to delivering the weapon system to Ukraine. When asked about it on Sunday in the ARD program with Caren Miosga, Merz said: “I have always said that I would do it.” Merz pointed out in this context that European partners are already delivering missiles. “The British do it, the French do it, the Americans do it anyway.” In coordination with European partners, Merz said he is ready to deliver the Taurus, which could enable Ukraine to “get ahead” instead of only reacting. The Taurus could be used to destroy the Kerch Bridge to the Crimean peninsula, according to the former Blackrock manager. Merz’s stance stands in sharp contrast to that of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has repeatedly refused to deliver Taurus rockets to Kiev, warning that it could escalate the conflict and bring Germany directly into a war with Moscow. Merz is expected to assume his position in May. Union and SPD have already agreed on a coalition agreement. While the CSU board has already accepted the agreement, the sister party’s decision is still pending. The CDU will vote on the agreement at a small party conference on April 28. The biggest hurdle the coalition agreement still has to clear is the vote of the SPD base. All around 358,000 party members can vote on the issue until April 29. The question of Taurus deliveries remains a contentious issue in talks with the SPD, said CDU defense policy spokesperson Roderich Kiesewetter to the Telegraph. SPD politicians have expressed concern about the range and destructive power of the Taurus, arguing that the German missile therefore presents a greater risk of escalation than its British or French counterparts. SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch suggested this week that Merz could change his course once he becomes chancellor and has access to classified information. “I assume that Friedrich Merz, when fully informed by the services, will then weigh it very carefully again. And we will make this decision together” said Miersch. He pointed out that the acting defense minister Boris Pistorius recently emphasized that when Chancellor Scholz made the decision not to deliver the Taurus, classified information also played a role. According to Pistorius, there are “many good arguments” against the delivery, but not all can be publicly named. Meanwhile, Moscow warned Berlin on Thursday that if Ukraine receives the Taurus missiles and attacks Russian targets, it will consider this as direct involvement of Germany in the war. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Sacharova.
UK Eyes Taurus Rocket Delivery to Ukraine Amidst EU Consultation
