The leader of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz, a candidate for the position of Chancellor of Germany, made an important clarification regarding the transfer of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. As reported by n-tv.de, Merz stated that the decision on deliveries will be made only after consultations with the USA and European allies.
Merz noted that training Ukrainian soldiers to operate these missiles will take at least four months, and during that time, a new president of the USA, Donald Trump, will take office.
"Therefore, I advocate for addressing these questions together with the Americans. Not alone, not in Germany, but together with Europe and America," he emphasized.
At the same time, he added that he doubts these missiles will fundamentally change the situation in the war with Russia.
Taurus for Ukraine
Unlike German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is firmly against supplying Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, Friedrich Merz has repeatedly stated that he would grant such permission if he becomes Chancellor.
Previously, Merz suggested giving Moscow a day to cease shelling Ukrainian civilians. If they do not comply, Ukraine will receive permission for long-range strikes against the Russian Federation and German Taurus cruise missiles.
On December 9, during a visit to Kyiv and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz once again confirmed his position on Taurus, emphasizing that Germany "must do everything to ensure that Ukraine can exercise its right to self-defense."