German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed support for providing Ukraine with long-range missiles for self-defense, despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s opposing views, reports Deutsche Welle.
Western nations, including the US and UK, maintain restrictions on the use of their long-range weapons for deep strikes inside Russia. This hesitancy stems from concerns that Russian retaliation could outweigh any potential gains for Ukraine and mean that NATO would be officially involved in the war.
Speaking on ARD television, Baerbock emphasized the importance of long-range missiles, particularly “for overcoming the mine belt in eastern Ukraine.”
When questioned about Germany supplying other types of weapons to Kyiv, she said that while she had clearly stated her position, Scholz held a different view.
“And in a coalition – in a democratic coalition – it happens that if partners cannot agree on one point, we cannot support it,” Baerbock said. “Then the Americans do it, and the British, and the French.”
The foreign minister reiterated her support for continued German military aid to Ukraine, arguing that such support is particularly crucial given the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House after the upcoming US elections.
According to the report, Germany has consistently refused to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, even after the United Kingdom, France, and the United States delivered their long-range weapons.
On 21 September, Scholz once again rejected calls to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
The Times reports that the US and Britain are allegedly preparing to grant Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russian territory. However, such an announcement would not be made public to maintain an element of surprise for Russia.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that a decision on lifting restrictions for Ukraine on the use of Western long-range weapons against military targets on Russian territory “may be made before the start of winter.”
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