Bundestag debates sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine

The Bundestag of Germany is holding a discussion on "Continuing Support for Ukraine – Decision on the Delivery of Taurus Cruise Missiles," Rubryka reports.

According to Ukrinform, the proposal was initiated by the largest opposition faction, the CDU/CSU, as before. Nearly an hour and a half of debate will precede the roll-call vote.

"The preparation and delivery of heavy armaments by Germany and other allied states have enabled Ukraine to resist Russian aggression in a heroic defensive battle and prevent further extensive advances by Russian aggressors," said a statement from conservative bloc lawmakers.

It emphasizes that despite the assistance already provided to Ukrainian forces, they lack the capability to systematically attack supply lines, command posts, and material-technical structures of Russian occupiers to create a basis for further successful offensive actions.

The proposal reminded MPs that Ukraine approached Germany with a request to supply Taurus cruise missiles in May 2023.

Lawmakers criticize the "too indecisive position of the federal government and its constant justifications."

The proposal stated that if the federal government genuinely pursues the goal of Ukraine winning this war, then it must provide such an effective system. This also corresponds to Germany's own security interests.

In addition to the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, the parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union calls on the federal government to begin training Ukrainian soldiers in the use of this system and to address gaps in the equipment of the Bundeswehr that will arise from the transfer of missiles to Ukraine by immediately purchasing new ones.

The previous vote on a similar proposal by the CDU/CSU to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine took place on February 22. Then, 182 deputies voted for the proposal, 480 against, and five abstained.

On the eve of March 13, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking in the Bundestag, categorically stated his opposition to transferring Taurus to Ukraine. He called it "irresponsible" to use these weapons systems without the involvement and control of German soldiers. The Chancellor considers involving German military personnel in the war absolutely unacceptable.

The Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs also recommended rejecting the proposal.

What we know about the proposal from the British minister

Earlier in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he wants to "work as closely as possible with German partners to help Ukraine." He then meant assistance with the delivery of Taurus missiles to the country.

According to him, one possible solution to this is a ring exchange, which could alleviate Chancellor Olaf Scholz's concerns.

For example, Cameron proposed that Germany transfer Taurus missiles to Britain, and in return, London provide additional Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.

The German leader does not want to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine because he fears that doing so would drag the country into war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky explained how Taurus could change the course of the war in Ukraine.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported on such an option, citing sources in the British government. They noted that Berlin's position on Taurus missiles "is causing annoyance" in London.