**Kremlin Warns of “Inevitable Escalation” if Germany Delivers Long-Range Taurus Missiles to Ukraine**
The Kremlin has reacted with alarm to suggestions that Germany’s new chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, plans to deliver long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said on April 14 that such a move would lead to an “inevitable escalation” of the situation in Ukraine.
Merz had previously suggested that Taurus missiles could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure in Crimea, including the Kerch Bridge, a key supply route linking Russia to the occupied peninsula. The proposal has been met with concern from Moscow, which sees it as a further provocation by European capitals.
**Germany’s Chancellor-in-Waiting Stokes Tensions**
Friedrich Merz, who is set to take office after his Christian Democrats’ election win, has long criticized Germany’s previous stance on the delivery of Taurus missiles. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had repeatedly blocked the move due to concerns about escalation.
Merz’s proposal comes as Ukraine continues to face attacks from Russian forces. On Palm Sunday, a missile strike on the city center of Sumy killed 35 people and injured at least 117 others. The attack was one of the deadliest on the city and has been widely condemned by European leaders.
**European Union Weighs in on Missile Delivery**
The proposal to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine has also sparked debate within the European Union. Some countries, such as Poland and Lithuania, have expressed support for Merz’s plan, while others remain cautious.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has called on allies to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses and provide additional systems, missiles, and spare parts. The country has invited top EU officials to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow.
**Russian Response: “Inevitable Escalation”**
The Kremlin has made it clear that it sees the proposal to deliver Taurus missiles as a provocation. Dmitry Peskov said on April 14 that such a move would lead to an “inevitable escalation” of the situation in Ukraine.
Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has long been accused of seeking to restore a Russian empire that includes parts of NATO member states. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Putin’s ultimate goal is to revive the Russian Empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection.
**Escalating Conflict: A World War Looms?**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of provocations. The delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine could potentially lead to a further escalation, which some experts warn could even trigger a world war.
President Zelensky has warned that the conflict is at risk of spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders. He said that Putin’s ultimate goal is to revive the Russian Empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection, which he believes could escalate into a world war.
As tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine, the international community remains on high alert, waiting to see how events will unfold in this escalating conflict.