In policy reversal, German parliament approves sending long-range Taurus precision missiles to aid Ukraine's defense
The German parliament has approved the provision of long—range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. The relevant resolution was submitted to the vote by the parliamentary coalition, announced Ukrainian MP Yehor Chernev.
Thus, German parliamentarians approved the recommendation to provide long-range systems for "targeted strikes deep in the rear of the Russian aggressor."
According to Chernev, the wording about "long-range weapons" in the text of the bill is "Aesopian political language." Since Germany does not have any other long-range missiles, it is the Taurus that is being discussed.
The bill must now be signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
This document was submitted by the parliamentary coalition. Earlier today, there was a vote on the bill to provide Ukraine with Taurus, but it was submitted by the opposition. In the end, the vote on that bill failed: only 182 lawmakers voted in favor of the missile delivery, while 480 were against it. Five more German MPs abstained.
More about Taurus
This subsonic air-to-air cruise missile is designed to engage targets at a distance of up to 500 km. Germany is concerned that Ukraine may use the missiles to strike at Russian territory.
In August 2023, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he did not rule out supplying Ukraine with these cruise missiles, but stressed that he would first have to carefully consider such a decision.