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Incoming German chancellor changes opinion on missiles for Ukraine
(MENAFN)
Matthias Miersch, leader of Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), has expressed confidence that incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz will reconsider his support for sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine once he begins receiving classified intelligence briefings.
The long-range missiles, which can strike targets up to 500km away, were previously withheld by the German government under SPD leadership due to concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia.
Following the SPD’s historic electoral defeat in February and the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) entered coalition talks with the SPD to form a new government.
In an interview with n-tv on Wednesday, Miersch criticized Merz’s openness to supplying the Taurus missiles, warning it could risk direct confrontation with Moscow. He said he believes that once Merz is fully informed by intelligence agencies, “he will clearly reassess the issue,” adding that the final decision will be made jointly.
Miersch reaffirmed the SPD’s long-standing position against providing the Taurus, saying the goal is to avoid further escalation or becoming a direct party to the conflict.
SPD Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has also cited serious, though undisclosed, reasons for opposing the missile transfer. In contrast, Merz recently told ARD that he favors arming Ukraine with the Taurus system, arguing that such weapons would bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly by targeting key Russian infrastructure like the Crimean bridge.
Roderich Kiesewetter, the CDU’s defense spokesman, added that the missiles would aid Ukraine in destroying Russian supply lines and command centers.
The missile debate comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia continues to warn that Western arms supplies will not stop its military objectives. Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev said the Taurus delivery would implicate Germany directly in the war, since Ukrainian forces would require German assistance to operate the advanced weapons.
Matthias Miersch, leader of Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), has expressed confidence that incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz will reconsider his support for sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine once he begins receiving classified intelligence briefings.
The long-range missiles, which can strike targets up to 500km away, were previously withheld by the German government under SPD leadership due to concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia.
Following the SPD’s historic electoral defeat in February and the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) entered coalition talks with the SPD to form a new government.
In an interview with n-tv on Wednesday, Miersch criticized Merz’s openness to supplying the Taurus missiles, warning it could risk direct confrontation with Moscow. He said he believes that once Merz is fully informed by intelligence agencies, “he will clearly reassess the issue,” adding that the final decision will be made jointly.
Miersch reaffirmed the SPD’s long-standing position against providing the Taurus, saying the goal is to avoid further escalation or becoming a direct party to the conflict.
SPD Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has also cited serious, though undisclosed, reasons for opposing the missile transfer. In contrast, Merz recently told ARD that he favors arming Ukraine with the Taurus system, arguing that such weapons would bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, particularly by targeting key Russian infrastructure like the Crimean bridge.
Roderich Kiesewetter, the CDU’s defense spokesman, added that the missiles would aid Ukraine in destroying Russian supply lines and command centers.
The missile debate comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia continues to warn that Western arms supplies will not stop its military objectives. Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev said the Taurus delivery would implicate Germany directly in the war, since Ukrainian forces would require German assistance to operate the advanced weapons.
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