CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s remarks that he was considering sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine have sparked optimism among European allies and hesitantness from key coalition partners across the country.
Merz, widely expected to be Germany’s next prime minister, said on Sunday night he would consider sending German-made long-range missiles as part of a broader support package agreed by European countries.
He added that missiles can be used to target the Kerch Bridge, a key land connection between Russia and the occupied Crimean Peninsula.
The Prime Minister’s leader’s comments have shifted significantly from those of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.
European allies supported Mertz’s openness to sending weapons as Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Berdkamp called “where does Europe stand in this situation?” His Polish counterpart labelled the idea as “very good.”
Kaja Karas, a high-ranking representative of the EU’s foreign affairs, said in her response that Europe “must do more to ensure Ukraine can protect itself and that civilians do not need to die.”
“A good argument for that”
But at home, Meltz’s desire was fulfilled with the hesitations of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a member of Meltz’s next cabinet, consisting of the CDU/CSU and the SPD coalition.
At a meeting in Hanover, Pistorius seemed interested in rethinking the idea. There are some fair points in favour of supplying missiles, but he also has “a good argument for that.”
Pistorius also claimed he had been in favor of delivering missiles in the past. “I never said that,” he insisted.
Pistorius also questioned Germany’s ability to coordinate missile delivery with other allies due to its specific nature. “I don’t know of any European partners with such a system,” he said.
Johann Wadefal, vice-chairman of the CDU parliamentary group and potential choice for Mertz’s new foreign minister, said he still believes a decision with the SPD on the distribution of missiles is possible.
Scholz claimed that sending missiles to Kiev would risk the German party creating Germany in an all-out war in Ukraine, but Wadehulu said the SPD recognizes “we have to deal with Putin differently.”
But Wadehull told Bavarian media group that his party would “come to a common position and decision that everyone supports.”
So far, the US, UK and France have delivered long-range missiles to Ukraine.
