Taurus missile on display in Berlin. photo: wikipedia
Aleksey Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), said that Germany has not yet sent Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine due to “fear of Russia”. In an interview with Die Welt, he said: “It's not mistrust of Ukraine, it's fear of Russia.” Danilov added that “some are afraid of irritating Russia.”
The German government has not yet decided on the supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz noted that all issues regarding arms deliveries are agreed with partners, including the United States. According to Der Spiegel, the German government is currently investigating the possibility of deliveries of Taurus missiles in the coming months from the Bundeswehr stockpile and is conducting confidential negotiations with representatives of the defense industry. It should be noted that Scholz wants to completely rule out the possibility of Ukraine using these missiles to attack Russian territory.
Ten years ago, the Bundeswehr acquired about 600 Taurus missiles. These missiles are considered analogues of the British Storm Shadow, which have already been delivered to Ukraine. However, the range of the Bull is somewhat longer – up to 500 kilometers. Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that Western arms sales to Ukraine and assistance in training the Ukrainian army only prolong the conflict and will not change the situation on the battlefield.