German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that his country will not provide Ukraine with “automatically” Taurus long-range winged missiles if Washington decides to provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles.
Part of Germany's armed support for Ukraine - Source: AFP
“There is nothing automatic in this war,” Pistorius told reporters on Monday, adding that Germany had not yet decided whether to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles or not.
This comes against the backdrop of media reports that Washington is likely to provide ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 km to Ukraine as part of future military aid.
Ukraine asks Germany for Taurus missiles
Ukraine has also asked Germany for the Taurus cruise missiles, which are launched from aircraft, with a range of up to 500 km.
#Germany will supply another 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles to #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/agRJMQD17W
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 11, 2023
Britain and France have supplied Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow and Scallp missiles.
German Foreign Minister arrives in Ukraine on a surprise visit
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived on Monday in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on a surprise visit.
⚠️CRINGE WARNING⚠️
Germany's Foreign Minister is internationally known for embarrassing statements. She called Ukraine cocaine and recommended to Putin a 360° turn to change the direction of his policies. Yesterday she was in Kiev and claimed that last year had 560 days. pic.twitter.com/RnCSHhXuc2
— Zentrale Ermittlungsstelle (@ZentraleV) September 12, 2023
The German Foreign Ministry said – in a statement carried by the official Ukrainian news agency “Ukrin Forum” – that “Baerbuk, upon arrival at the train station in Kiev, confirmed her country’s support for Ukraine in its efforts to join the European Union. “In the midst of a barrage of bombs and in the face of Russian tanks, Ukraine set off confidently and firmly on the road to the European Union,” she said.
This is Baerbock’s fourth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s military operation more than a year and a half ago.
