Information
Former President of Germany, Joachim Gauck, has criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his reluctance to provide long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Gauck stated that the Chancellor must question whether he is fulfilling his goal of preventing Russia from gaining a victorious peace. Ukraine has repeatedly requested Taurus missiles, which have a range of 500 kilometres (roughly 300 miles) and would allow Ukraine to attack targets within Russian territory. Gauck expressed his confusion about why there is hesitation in providing these and other weapons. He further expressed concern about the ongoing war and air attacks on civilians and questioned whether current support is sufficient. A Russian victory would put the security of further European states in danger. Ukraine’s allies have been hesitant to provide ammunition and weaponry that is capable of striking into Russian territory. Instead, they typically offer stocks better suited for attacking occupied areas like Crimea or parts of the Donbas, which are recognized internationally as part of Ukraine. Gauck also expressed that Germany and Europe are not adequately armed to combat the warlike threat posed by Russia.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Assessment
Ukraine’s use of British and American long-range missiles has shown that they are an effective tool for disrupting Russia’s military operations and eliminating critical targets or infrastructure. Additionally, it has also shown that this is not the red line that some feared it would be, with Russia having little in the way of pushback against the West. It appears likely that Germany will eventually supply the Taurus cruise missiles; the political and social will is there. All that remains is for the government to make the final choice.
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