**Germany’s Chancellor Criticizes Opposition Leader**
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized opposition leader Friedrich Merz for proposing an ultimatum to Russia about sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. This happened at a conference in Berlin.
Scholz said that giving an ultimatum to Russia, which is a nuclear power, would be like playing “Russian roulette” with Germany’s security. He claimed that Merz wants to give Russia a deadline for possible transfers of long-range Taurus missiles.
Germany has been facing political turmoil lately. The opposition has been criticizing Scholz for refusing to send German-made Tauruses to Ukraine. This refusal has been met with criticism from other Western countries, which have sent their own long-range weapons to Ukraine.
**A Calm Approach is Needed**
Scholz emphasized the importance of a calm and measured approach when it comes to questions of war and peace. He promised to remain “steadfast and level-headed.” Scholz also stressed that real negotiations on a possible peace plan should not take place “over the head of Ukraine.”
Merz, who is currently the candidate poised to unseat Scholz in the federal parliamentary elections, has previously spoken in support of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He suggested that Russia be told to stop bombing civilians in Ukraine within 24 hours, and then Germany should send Taurus missiles to destroy supply lines.
**Background**
Kyiv has repeatedly asked Berlin to supply Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers. Scholz has consistently refused to budge on this issue, even as other Western allies sent their own long-range weapons to Ukraine. Millions of readers rely on the Kyiv Independent for news, and any financial contribution would help keep our reporting free and accessible.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com