Mert did not rule out the possibility of delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine: The Kremlin and the West in a tense fight to increase Kyiv’s military support
Germany may take an important step toward supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a recent interview with ZDF did not exclude the possibility of supplying modern Taurus cruise missiles to the Ukrainian armed forces. Although the issue remains officially open, flights have once again raised questions about how far Berlin and the European Union are willing to go in supporting Kyiv. Merz noted that transferring these systems could be considered "within feasible limits," but at the same time emphasized the need for detailed training of Ukrainian troops. According to the chancellor, achieving effective operation of Taurus will require several months of persistent training so that Ukrainian soldiers can use the new weapons with maximum precision and safety. "Of course, it’s within possible limits," Merz succinctly replied to the question from the host about the potential supply of Taurus missiles. He also added that the speed of such a process is no less important. In his words, to achieve a real strategic effect, wait times of a year or a year and a half are unacceptable – support must be swift and targeted already today. Therefore, the issue of providing heavy weapons to Ukraine is at the center of attention for the German authorities and allies, as swift arming is capable of changing the balance of power on the frontlines and gaining a vital advantage in the fight against Russian aggression. Regarding diplomatic and legal aspects of the possible transfer of missile systems, Merz stated that "everything that can be done on a secure legal basis is conceivable and possible." This means Berlin strives to act within the framework of international agreements, avoiding any violations or subjective decisions that could complicate relations with Russia or cause additional political tensions. This background was shaped earlier during a significant meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on May 28. Besides negotiations with Chancellor Merz, Ukraine’s leader also met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bundestag President Bärbel Bas. Following the visit, a new military aid package totaling €5 billion was announced, making a substantial contribution to strengthening Ukrainian defenses. A particularly important event was the signing of an agreement with the German company Diehl Defence to produce IRIS-T systems and their associated missiles. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated that the total value of the contract reaches €2.2 billion — not only technical support but also a strategic enhancement of Ukraine’s defense in the long term. Overall, the situation around possible deliveries of heavy weapons, including Taurus, is being discussed not only between governments but also within European Union circles, which seeks to support Kyiv in accordance with international law and to facilitate a quick and effective end to the military conflict. The prospects for the transfer of missile systems remain open, but one thing is clear: the Ukrainian army is eager to receive weapons capable of significantly increasing its defensive potential and already today changing the situation on the frontlines. Because in this war, timing and the speed of implementing new technologies are crucial for victory and Ukraine’s future.