German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that the transfer of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine is impossible because Germany must maintain control over the deployment of these weapons, and this is only possible if German soldiers are present on Ukrainian territory.
"It is unacceptable to supply a weapon system that reaches a very long distance and not think about how you can control this system. If you want to have control, it only works with the participation of German soldiers, so for me it is out of the question," Scholz said.
Last week, the German chancellor again ruled out sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, saying that it would mean Germany would become a party to the war with Russia.
Germany cannot give Ukraine "a weapon with a range of 500 km, which, if misused, can reach the target in Moscow," Olaf Scholz said.
Shortly afterwards, a scandal erupted in Germany due to a leaked conversation between high-ranking Bundeswehr officers, during which, according to Russian state propaganda, they discussed blowing up the Kerch Bridge with Taurus missiles.
Background. As we wrote, the wiretapping scandal continues in Germany. In particular, some politicians have criticised Scholz, advising him to give up his naivety and allow the supply of TAURUS missiles to Ukraine.