Germany Edges Closer To Supplying Taurus Missiles To Ukraine

Merz calls for decisive military aid as debate intensifies in Berlin

Introduction

Germany’s political stance on delivering long-range weapons to Ukraine may be shifting. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has voiced support for supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv—a significant departure from the caution shown by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government. The comments follow a renewed wave of Russian missile attacks and are likely to reignite the debate over how far Germany is willing to go in supporting Ukraine’s defense.

Merz’s remarks underline growing political momentum behind calls to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. With Russia ramping up its offensive operations, there is increasing pressure on Berlin to provide more advanced systems that could give Ukraine a strategic edge.

Background: The Taurus Missile Debate

The Taurus missile system is a German-manufactured, air-launched cruise missile with a range of up to 500 kilometers. It is designed to strike fortified targets deep behind enemy lines with high precision, making it one of the most capable long-range systems in Europe’s arsenal.

Despite repeated requests from Ukrainian officials, Germany has so far refrained from supplying Taurus missiles. The Scholz government has cited concerns over escalation and the potential for German-supplied weapons to be used against targets on Russian soil, which could blur the lines of NATO’s involvement.

The debate has divided German policymakers. While some fear that the move could provoke a direct confrontation with Moscow, others argue that withholding key capabilities denies Ukraine the means to defend itself effectively and regain lost ground.

Friedrich Merz’s Position

Friedrich Merz has taken a definitive stance in favor of Taurus missile deliveries. In recent statements, he condemned Russia’s latest strikes on civilian infrastructure and called for stronger military support to help Ukraine “get ahead” in the conflict. According to Merz, a reactive posture is no longer sufficient, and the West must equip Kyiv with the tools to strike preemptively and disrupt Russian logistics.

His comments mark a broader shift in the CDU’s position, aligning the party more closely with hawkish voices within Germany’s ruling coalition. By endorsing Taurus deliveries, Merz is positioning the CDU as a proactive force on security policy, potentially drawing a sharper contrast with Scholz’s cautious approach.

Domestic Political Implications

Merz’s intervention is likely to increase domestic pressure on the SPD-led government. Within the coalition itself, both the Greens and the Free Democrats have shown greater openness to enhancing military support for Ukraine, including the provision of more sophisticated weaponry.

This leaves Scholz increasingly isolated in his hesitance. His concerns around escalation and direct German involvement remain, but as political consensus builds, the calculus may shift. The CDU’s clear support could also influence public opinion and shape the national debate ahead of upcoming state elections.

Polls suggest that while Germans remain wary of direct conflict, support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense remains high. The optics of standing firm while Russia escalates attacks may prove politically unsustainable for the government.

International Context

Germany’s internal debate plays out against a broader backdrop of evolving Western support for Ukraine. The United Kingdom and France have already supplied or committed to providing long-range missiles such as Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG. The United States is reportedly reviewing the potential transfer of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

If Berlin follows through on Merz’s proposal, it would mark a significant step in aligning German policy with that of its key allies. It would also send a strong signal of commitment to Ukraine’s defense and NATO cohesion.

Such a move would not go unnoticed in Moscow. The Kremlin has previously issued warnings about Western arms deliveries, but NATO capitals have largely dismissed these as attempts at deterrence rather than credible red lines.

Strategic Impact for Ukraine

For Ukraine, Taurus missiles could offer a crucial advantage. The system’s range and accuracy would enable strikes against key Russian supply routes, command centres, and ammunition depots deep in occupied territory—targets that are currently difficult to reach with existing capabilities.

In operational terms, the delivery of Taurus systems would require integration with Ukrainian aircraft and training for deployment, but Kyiv has already demonstrated its ability to adapt quickly to new platforms.

The addition of Taurus to Ukraine’s arsenal would likely enhance its ability to disrupt Russian operations and impose greater costs on Moscow’s war effort, potentially altering the battlefield dynamics in regions like Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

Conclusion

Friedrich Merz’s call for Germany to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine reflects a shifting political and strategic landscape in Berlin. As Russia intensifies its attacks and Ukraine calls for deeper support, the argument for holding back advanced weaponry becomes harder to sustain.

While Chancellor Scholz remains cautious, the combined pressure from opposition figures and coalition partners may force a policy change. If Germany moves forward with the delivery, it will not only reshape its own role in the conflict but could also influence the trajectory of the war itself.

The decision now sits with the government—but the direction of travel is becoming increasingly clear.

Author: Ricardo Goulart