Lawmakers in Germany’s ruling coalition are set to vote on a motion that could finally push Chancellor Olaf Scholz to deliver long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
A draft resolution prepared by the three groups in the government’s parliamentary majority and seen by the Financial Times requests “the delivery of additionally necessary long-range weapon systems” for Kyiv that could strike “far in the rear area of the Russian aggressor.”
While non-binding, the successful passage of the motion could leave Scholz symbolically isolated. With the mainstream opposition Christian Democratic Union in favor, the chancellor’s resistance to the missiles’ delivery to Kyiv would be seen as being supported only by MPs of the hard left and hard right.
The debate over delivering Taurus, a bunker-busting missile with a range of 500km, has rumbled on for months in Berlin.
While Scholz’s coalition has dramatically increased its deliveries of weaponry to Ukraine and is now the second-largest supplier after the U.S., it has stubbornly resisted calls for Taurus to be sent, fearful of the potential escalatory effect the powerful missile may have.
Taurus has greater range and sophistication than the British Storm Shadow and French Scalp cruise missiles delivered to Ukraine last year. The FT said it would be capable of reaching Moscow and evading most Russian anti-aircraft defenses.
https://tippinsights.com/german-lawmakers-to-vote-on-long-range-missiles-for-ukraine
” it has stubbornly resisted calls for Taurus to be sent, fearful of the potential escalatory effect the powerful missile may have.”
Of course this is all BS. All Scholtz has to do, is supply the Taurus to Ukraine, and say if they are used inside russia, all aid will stop. I’m sure Ukraine would not be so stupid as to risk all aid by striking into mafia land itself. Although I would love to see one land in red Sq.
Correct, Foccusser! This alleged concern shows a significant distrust towards Ukraine to stick to agreements. That’s an insult without any real base to it, since the AFU has proven to be a reliable partner. Scholz should be ashamed of having such a low esteem of the brave country which did stick to martial law (unlike Putinstan!), even under the enormous pressure of the attacks. What’s behind it is that Scholz is still way too fearful of somehow provoking Putin, even though the dictator has already proven that he’s plain nuts and his army is just a pathetic mob. That’s embarassing for every German who supports Ukraine!
Medvedev; Kiyv will be liberated, is a Russian city on Russian land. Ukrainians in the liberated lands must be sent to re-education camps in Siberia, till they understand they are Russians.
RuSSians must be sent to Guantanamo for ‘re-education’ until they understand they are not ukrainians.
Slight correction Mike,
RuSSians must be sent to Guantanamo for ‘re-education’ until they understand they are moskali vatniks.
I think the best solution for global peace would be to confine all Russians ito labor camps in Siberia, seperated by gender, until the age of 65. Let the native Siberians resettle in Moscow and St. Petersburg in exchange.
Ok, this may be a Stalinesque solution, but it sure would be very effective.
It doesn’t say when the vote takes place?
Assuming God willing that it goes through and Scholz caves in, how long before they are in situ and operational?
Ukraine desperately needs help like yesterday.
The U.K. and France must send more Storms from their inventory immediately. I don’t know how many the defenders have left?
The paper does not mention Taurus. Scholz said this morning he will neither discuss nor approve Taurus missiles for Ukraine.
Source: ntv, germany’s #1 tv news channel
The bill deliberately doesn’t mention Taurus, at the insistence of Scholz’ party buddies, but instead focusses more generally on a long range weapon whose characteristics only fit that system, Mike. So, a typical example of political window dressing. They want to deliver a missile that shall not be named! 🙄
It’s ridiculous and embarassing, I know.
Clearly, Mr. Gray, Germany needs a real man as chancellor, like Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, and not a pussy like Scholz.
I like ASZ. That lady is as tough as nails, indeed.