Deutsche Welle reports that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed her support for providing Ukraine with long-range missiles for self-defense, despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz‘s opposing views. This comes as Western nations, including the US and UK, maintain restrictions on the use of their long-range weapons for deep strikes inside Russia. Baerbock emphasized the importance of these missiles in overcoming the mine belt in eastern Ukraine during an interview on ARD television.
Baerbock also addressed the issue of Germany supplying other types of weapons to Kyiv, stating that while she has made her position clear, Scholz holds a different view. She explained that in a democratic coalition, it is common for partners to disagree on certain points and therefore, Germany cannot support it. She added that the US, UK, and France have the ability to provide such weapons if needed.
The foreign minister reiterated her support for continued German military aid to Ukraine, citing the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House after the upcoming US elections. However, Germany has consistently refused to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, even after other Western countries have delivered their long-range weapons.
On 21 September, Scholz once again rejected calls to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. However, The Times reports that the US and UK are allegedly preparing to grant Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russian territory. This decision would not be made public to maintain an element of surprise for Russia.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that a decision on lifting restrictions for Ukraine on the use of Western long-range weapons against military targets on Russian territory may be made before the start of winter. This news comes as Germany continues to face pressure to provide more support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
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