Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed his support for providing Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles, stating that only strength—not peace gestures—can convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to reconsider the war. In an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Sunday night, Merz stressed that Kyiv needs advanced weapons to defend itself and to pressure Moscow into meaningful peace negotiations.
Merz argued that supplying Taurus missiles could help Ukraine disrupt Russia’s military supply lines, especially from Crimea, and enhance its deterrence capabilities. He emphasized that any German action would be in coordination with European partners. “The British are doing this, the French are doing this, the Americans are also doing this… If it is coordinated, then Germany should take part in it,” he said.
Unlike outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who opposed sending the Taurus missiles out of concern it could drag Germany into the conflict, Merz has maintained a firm pro-Ukraine stance. His CDU/CSU alliance won the February elections and recently sealed a coalition deal with the Social Democrats. Merz is set to take office following parliamentary approval in early May.
