Merz rules out Taurus missiles for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has ruled out sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, arguing that Kiev no longer needs them after developing its own domestically produced weapons. Instead, he has called for more money to be sent to Ukraine.
Answering questions in parliament on Wednesday, Merz said the debate over Taurus missiles – which have a range of 500 km and can reach Moscow from Ukrainian territory – is no longer relevant due to Ukraine’s progress in developing missiles.
“Today, Ukraine itself has long-range weapons in its depots, which it has built itself, partly with our help, and which are significantly more effective than the relatively small number of Taurus cruise missiles we could have delivered,” Merz told lawmakers.
The chancellor noted that when he first advocated for sending the missiles while in the opposition, he assumed the armed forces had enough operational stockpiles to share. Since taking office last May, however, he has backed away from this.
Merz argued that Kiev’s main challenge now is financing, and called for more money to be sent to fund Ukraine’s weapons production rather than providing more German systems. The chancellor previously pledged €11.5 billion ($13.2 billion) in military aid for Ukraine for 2026.
His remarks come amid a broader shift in Western support. The US, once Ukraine’s largest backer, has scaled back aid under President Donald Trump, with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stating this month that weapons are now “better spent in our own interests.”
Meanwhile, a series of corruption scandals in Kiev, including a $100 million kickback scheme involving the state nuclear operator and a vote-buying ring among lawmakers, has fueled skepticism in Berlin and other European capitals.
Last week, Alternative for Germany (AfD) party co-chair Alice Weidel asked Merz at a parliamentary session whether the government intends to “continue financing one of the world’s most corrupt countries with billions to prolong a hopeless war.”
A recent US watchdog report found that $26 billion in USAID money sent to Ukraine lacked adequate oversight, with contractors failing to properly monitor the funds.
Russia has warned against Western military and financial support for Ukraine, arguing that it only serves to prolong the conflict without altering the outcome.
