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The supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine remains possible, but the implementation of such a decision will require several months of preparation. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the “heute journal” programme on the German TV channel ZDF.
“Of course, it’s within the realm of possibility,” Merz said when asked about the prospects of transferring Taurus long-range precision missiles to Ukraine.
He also stressed that in order to use these weapons effectively, the Ukrainian military needs extensive training, which delays the possibility of immediate delivery.
“I have always said that Taurus requires many months of training for the military in Ukraine. And if we deliver them in six months or a year, it will not help Ukraine today,” the Chancellor explained.
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In view of this, Merz said, the German government’s current efforts are focused on strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the short term, in particular by strengthening air defence systems. The relevant agreement was announced the day before by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The key to ending the war is in Russia’s hands
The Chancellor also commented on the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine. According to him, it will be possible to believe in the Kremlin’s readiness for dialogue only when Russia actually sits down at the negotiating table.
“Russia can end the war today. If Russia ceases fire today, the war will end tonight,” Mertz said.
