Germany prepares to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine: West lifts restrictions on long-range weapons

Ukraine has received the green light to use Western long-range weapons against military targets in Russia. Kyiv’s key partners — the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States — have officially lifted restrictions on the range of the transferred weapons. This was announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the forum, Clash Report reports.

Merz stressed that the West’s new position is a fundamental change in the rules of warfare for Ukraine. “Now there are no restrictions on the range of the weapons supplied — neither by the British, nor by the French, nor by us. And the Americans no longer limit the range,” the Chancellor stressed. This means that the Ukrainian Defense Forces can strike deep behind enemy lines using Western missiles, including logistical hubs, ammunition depots and command posts on Russian territory.

Merz's statement regarding the German Taurus cruise missiles attracted particular attention. According to him, Germany is ready to provide Ukraine with 100 to 150 such missiles. Taurus is an analogue of the British-French Storm Shadow and Scalp systems, which are already effectively used by the Ukrainian army. The ability of these missiles to hit targets at a distance of more than 500 km could significantly change the balance of power on the front.

Friedrich Merz also noted that he had always supported the idea of ​​transferring Taurus to Ukraine, but stressed that such decisions should be made in close coordination with other European allies. It is obvious that the current decision is the result of large-scale diplomatic coordination between key NATO capitals.

At the same time, the Chancellor did not hide his restrained optimism about the end of the war. At a press conference in Vilnius, where he participated in the inauguration of a new permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, Merz noted that there were no illusions about a quick end to the conflict. “This process has just begun and could take many more weeks, and possibly months,” he said.

In conclusion, Merz stressed Germany’s continued support for Ukraine, both militarily and diplomatically. He stressed that Berlin was not missing any opportunity for a peaceful settlement, but that realities required time and patience: “We must remain realistic — a diplomatic solution is possible, but achieving it will take time.”