Arms shipments to Ukraine deemed crucial by the Chancellor
In a marked shift in German policy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken a bolder stance on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, advocating for the use of German weaponry against targets within Russian territory. This move, met with criticism from coalition partner SPD, comes as Russia escalates attacks in the region.
Merz defended the lifting of restrictions on the use of German weapons in Ukraine, stating that Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russian aggression. He made these remarks during a visit to Finland, emphasizing the inadequacy of solely defensive measures. While some SPD members have criticized Merz's move, CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter has used the statement as an opportunity to call for the delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles.
Prior to Merz's tenure, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germany had allowed the use of certain weapons against Russian positions near the embattled city of Kharkiv. However, Scholz had been hesitant to lift range restrictions further, unlike Britain and France, even during election campaigning.
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, of the SPD, has disagreed with the suggestion of a policy shift, stating, "There is no new agreement that goes beyond what the previous government has done." However, Merz is reportedly distancing himself from Scholz's Ukraine policy for the first time, in light of failed ceasefire efforts and the recent intense Russian air attacks.
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner has criticized the lifting of restrictions, calling it "not helpful." Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has expressed concern, stating he would urge the federal government to participate more in diplomatic efforts. The Greens, on the other hand, have expressed support for Merz's course, with deputy parliamentary leader Agnieszka Brugger stating, "Vladimir Putin is currently bombing any peace efforts and offers of dialogue into the ground with renewed cruelty. It would be a mistake to simply accept this."
Operationally, Merz's announcement may not have immediate concrete effects, as Germany has not supplied many weapons capable of allowing Ukrainian forces to target Russian positions far behind the front line. The Mars II rocket launcher with a range of 85 kilometers and the Panzerhaubitze 2000 with a range of 35 kilometers are the only two weapons systems currently available. The Taurus cruise missile, which could potentially provide relief and protect civilian populations in Ukraine, has not yet been delivered by Berlin. However, the USA, France, and the UK have provided Ukraine's armed forces with missiles that have already been used against Russian territory.
Service and policy changes are underway in German politics as Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocates for a stronger response to war-and-conflicts, such as the use of Taurus cruise missiles, in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This shift in policy-and-legislation and general-news is causing division within coalition partner SPD, with some members criticizing the proposed changes.
