Arms Exports to Ukraine deemed essential by Chancellor
Germany Amps Up Military Support for Ukraine
Berlin and Turku – In a move that has drawn criticism from coalition partner SPD, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended the lifting of restrictions on the use of German weapons in Ukraine's conflict against Russia. Merz emphasized that Ukraine has the right to utilize its arsenal against targets on Russian soil, a stance he called necessary for proper self-defense.
While individual SPD MPs have expressed disapproval of Merz's decision, CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter has used the statement to advocate for the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles. In a statement on X, he suggested that such deliveries could offer relief and protect civilians in Ukraine if sent in larger numbers.
Merz's speech at the WDR Europe Forum in Berlin marked a departure from his predecessor Olaf Scholz's policy. While Scholz had allowed the use of German weapons, such as the Mars II multiple rocket launcher, against Russian positions around the besieged city of Kharkiv last year, he had refrained from lifting restrictions beyond that. Unlike Britain and France, Scholz's administration did not lift restrictions even during the election campaign.
Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) rejected the impression of a policy shift on Monday, stating, "There is no new agreement that goes beyond what the previous government has done."
Criticism from the SPD's foreign policy experts followed swiftly. Ralf Stegner called the lifting of restrictions "not helpful," arguing that widening the war was wrong. He emphasized the importance of bolstering diplomatic efforts instead. Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich questioned Merz's decision, stating that the focus should be on diplomatic efforts to support negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who appears to be escalating.
In contrast, Green party deputy parliamentary leader, Agnieszka Brugger, expressed support for Merz's course, stating that Putin's renewed attacks on peace efforts needed to be met with a stronger response.
As of now, Merz's announcement has no immediate operational effects, as Germany has only provided Ukrainian forces with a limited number of weapons systems, such as the Mars II rocket launcher with a range of 85 kilometers and the Panzerhaubitze 2000 with a range of 35 kilometers, which do not allow for attacks on Russian territory. However, the Taurus cruise missile, with a range of 500 kilometers and the focal point of the German range debate, has not yet been delivered by Berlin.
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More policy-and-legislation discussions might ensue as Germany considers delivering additional war-and-conflicts related aid, such as the Taurus cruise missiles, to Ukraine, potentially influencing the dynamics of the ongoing conflict and emphasizing the role of politics in the general-news landscape.
Different political parties hold contrasting views on this matter, with SPD members expressing concern that widening the war is not advisable and advocating for diplomatic efforts instead,while the Green party supports a stronger response in the face of renewed attacks on peace efforts.
