Russia threatens direct military strikes on Berlin if Germany proceeds with supplying powerful Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz considers overturning previous restrictions amid escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
Key Takeaways
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is “within the realm of possibility,” which would provide Ukraine with weapons capable of striking 500km into Russian territory.
- Germany has pledged €5 billion in additional military aid and plans to help Ukraine develop its own long-range missile production capabilities.
- The Kremlin has issued stark warnings of retaliation, including potential direct strikes on Berlin, if German-supplied missiles are used against Russian cities.
- Western allies have reportedly lifted some restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against targets inside Russia, though this has not been officially confirmed by Washington.
- Peace talks are scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, even as military tensions and threats continue to escalate between the involved nations.
Germany’s Controversial Missile Proposal
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sparked international concern by suggesting Germany could supply powerful Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that would significantly escalate Western involvement in the conflict. During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, Merz indicated that such deliveries are now being considered, despite previous restrictions. This potential policy shift comes as Germany announced a substantial €5 billion military and financial support package for Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russian aggression.
“Of course, that’s within the realm of possibility,” stated Friedrich Merz regarding the potential delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, though he acknowledged this would require “several months of training for soldiers in Ukraine.”
Lifting Weapons Restrictions
The potential supply of Taurus missiles comes amid broader changes in Western policy toward Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Merz claimed that leading allies have already lifted certain restrictions on arms limits, though he noted this decision was made “many months ago.” The sophisticated Taurus missile system, with its 500-kilometer range and specialized warhead design, would significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory. Ukraine has already been employing U.S.-made ATACMS and British-French Storm Shadow missiles, though their use had been initially restricted to targets on Ukrainian soil.
“Ukraine will be able to fully defend itself, including against military targets outside its own territory,” said Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany.
Russia’s Severe Warnings
The Kremlin has responded to Germany’s potential missile delivery with unusually direct threats, warning of severe consequences if Taurus missiles are supplied to Ukraine. Russian state media and officials have explicitly suggested that if German-supplied weapons are used against Moscow or other Russian cities, Russia might launch retaliatory strikes directly on Berlin. These threats represent a dangerous escalation in rhetoric as Russia positions any such weapons transfer as crossing a red line in the conflict, potentially drawing NATO countries into direct confrontation with Russia.
Joint Weapons Production Plans
Beyond the immediate controversy over Taurus missiles, Germany and Ukraine are moving forward with plans to cooperate on weapons development. The two nations intend to sign a memorandum for the joint purchase of “long-range fires” manufactured by Ukraine, with Germany’s defense ministry announcing financial support for production of these systems. This represents a significant shift in Germany’s approach to the conflict, moving from merely supplying existing weapons to investing in Ukraine’s domestic defense industry and long-term military capabilities.
“We want to talk about production and we will not publicly discuss details,” stated Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor.
Precarious Balance Despite Peace Talks
The timing of these developments is particularly troubling as they come just days before scheduled peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. Russia has already experienced drone attacks from Ukraine affecting Moscow and disrupting flights, adding to tensions between the nations. The stark contrast between diplomatic efforts toward peace and simultaneous military escalations highlights the precarious nature of the current situation. President Trump has acknowledged Putin’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, as international pressure mounts and Western nations grapple with how to support Ukraine without triggering a wider European conflict.
