**Germany‘s Chancellor–in-Waiting Signals Ukraine Could Use Taurus Missiles to Target Crimea**
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, has suggested that long-range Taurus missiles could be used by Ukraine to target strategic Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea. This includes the Kerch Bridge, a key supply route linking Russia to the peninsula.
In an interview with ARD’s Caren Miosga, Merz emphasized the need for Ukraine to transition from a reactive to a proactive stance on the battlefield. He argued that Kyiv must be equipped to “shape events” and “get ahead of the situation.” The 19-kilometer-long Kerch Bridge has been targeted by Ukraine multiple times in recent years, suffering heavy damage in strikes in October 2022 and July 2023.
Merz’s suggestion comes as outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has repeatedly blocked the delivery of Taurus missiles over concerns about escalation. However, with Merz poised to take office following his Christian Democrats’ election win, the decision to supply Taurus missiles could soon return to the political agenda. It remains uncertain whether his future coalition partners from the Social Democrats will back the move.
**The Potential for Escalation**
Merz clarified that he is not advocating for Ukraine to use Taurus missiles to attack Russian targets in Crimea. However, he believes that Ukraine should have the capability to do so if necessary. This could potentially lead to a significant escalation of the conflict, with Russia likely to respond aggressively to any attacks on its territory.
The European Union foreign ministers will meet in Luxembourg on April 14 to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, including a possible monitoring mission under the “coalition of the willing.” The meeting is expected to focus on upholding peace in the Black Sea after a potential ceasefire.
**Russia’s Aggressive Behavior**
In recent days, Russia has launched several missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 34 people in the northeastern city of Sumy on Palm Sunday. The strike also damaged a medical facility and other buildings. Russian forces have also attacked the city of Kherson, killing two residents and injuring many more.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, condemned the attack on Sumy, while the US Special Envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, described the targeting of civilians as “wrong.” However, the statement did not include condemnation of Russia’s actions or calls for increased sanctions on Moscow.
**A World War?**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a world war. He believes that Putin’s ultimate goal is to revive the Russian Empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether Merz’s suggestion will lead to a significant escalation of the conflict or if it will remain a mere threat. One thing is certain, however: the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as international efforts struggle to bring peace to the war-torn country.