Why Germany postpones delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine – WSJ

Germany is postponing the shipment of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine due to fears of a possible direct confrontation with Russia.

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The reason for the fears is the assumption that in order to transfer such missiles, Germany will need to send specialists to Ukraine to work "on the ground". This, in Berlin's view, is a direct confrontation with Russia.

German officials have said that the three-party coalition government has approved the delivery of the Taurus in principle, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz has suspended this step.

The German leader fears that German personnel will have to travel to Ukraine to help maintain and operate the sophisticated weapon.

According to officials, Scholz believes that a parliamentary vote is needed to move military personnel to the war zone.

He is also concerned that such a move could draw Germany deeper into the conflict, which could lead to a direct confrontation with Russia.

"The Chancellor should end the blockade of Taurus deliveries. Indecision and technical excuses only serve to strengthen Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's belief that he can still win, and this only prolongs the war," said Anton Hofreiter, a member of parliament.

Scholz's spokesman said there is no plan to deliver Taurus missiles quickly. The office's doubts about sending technical experts to help operate the missile are just the latest in a long list of concerns about the potential delivery of Taurus.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 28/09/2023