Ukrainian President in Berlin Discusses Procurement of Long-Range Weapons: Will Taurus Missiles Be Included?
In Germany, the approach towards supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine appears to be shifting under the newly proposed strategy of Friedrich Merz. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, Merz hinted at a departure from the binary stance inherited from Olaf Scholz, who had been consistently cautious about the delivery of such weaponry.
Merz has signaled a readiness to consider providing Taurus missiles, which could potentially mark a significant change in Germany's policy. While he has not yet given an unequivocal commitment to the delivery of these missiles, he has emphasized the importance of strategic ambiguity instead of the binary discussion that characterized Scholz's approach, where the question revolved around whether or not to deliver the Taurus.
One aspect of Merz's strategy, should the missiles be supplied, would involve extensive training for Ukrainian troops, according to statements made during the press conference. This training would take several months to complete.
Moreover, Merz's strategy encompasses long-term support for Ukraine's self-sufficiency in the development and production of long-range drones and military capabilities. This approach, if implemented, would help reduce Ukraine's reliance on external supplies.
In contrast, Olaf Scholz's approach as the former chancellor was marked by a more conservative stance. He consistently blocked the delivery of Taurus missiles due to worries about exacerbating tensions with Russia. Scholz also imposed restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine, which limited their utility against deep targets inside Russia. His policy was more focused on diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, rather than escalating military support.
Merz's strategy seems to contrast with Scholz's in several key areas. He appears to be more open to the idea of military escalation, while Scholz maintained a more cautious attitude towards such moves. Furthermore, Merz's strategy appears to be relatively proactive in terms of supporting Ukraine's long-term military capabilities, whereas Scholz's approach was more reactive. Lastly, Merz has been more vocal about the possibility of supplying advanced weapons, in contrast to Scholz's more reserved stance on the matter.
The newly proposed strategy of Friedrich Merz in Germany indicates a shift in policy towards war-and-conflicts, as he signals a readiness to consider providing Taurus missiles, which could potentially mark a significant change in their policy. In politics, Merz's strategy also includes long-term support for Ukraine's self-sufficiency in the development and production of long-range drones and military capabilities, a departure from the more conservative stance and focus on diplomatic efforts taken by Olaf Scholz, as the former chancellor consistently blocked the delivery of Taurus missiles due to concerns about exacerbating tensions with Russia. Thus, Merz's approach falls under the category of general-news, as it involves policy-and-legislation that could significantly impact the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region.
