Russia Warns Germany on Taurus Missile Supply

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a sharp warning to Germany on Thursday, stating that the delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine would be viewed as direct German involvement in the conflict.

Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Russia would consider any Taurus strikes on its "critical transport infrastructure" as an act of participation by Berlin. The Taurus KEPD-350, capable of reaching speeds up to 1,170 km/h and striking targets 500 km away, would enable Ukraine to hit deep inside Russian territory amid Moscow’s ongoing invasion.

German Coalition Divided Over Arms Supply

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the presumptive next chancellor, signaled openness over the weekend to supplying Taurus missiles—provided it is coordinated with European allies. His stance drew support from officials including Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Polish Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski during a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday.

However, Merz’s likely coalition partner, the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), opposes the move, citing escalation risks. SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch reiterated the party’s stance in an interview with German broadcaster n-tv on Wednesday, stating, "We do not want to become a warring party." He suggested Merz might reassess his position after receiving classified briefings.

Britain, meanwhile, has indicated it would back a German decision to send the missiles. A UK foreign policy official told The Telegraph that London has long supported such a move, stating, “We continue to work with our partners, including Germany, to equip Ukraine as best we can.”

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously blocked Taurus deliveries, fearing direct conflict with Russia. Acting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, expected to retain his role in the new government, also expressed reservations, denying he ever supported sending the missiles. At an SPD conference, he cited "many good arguments against it" and cast doubt on Merz’s claim of allied coordination, saying, “I don’t know of any European partner with such a system.”

The debate highlights tensions within Germany’s incoming coalition, with the SPD maintaining opposition while Merz’s CDU and their Green Party allies show increasing support for arming Ukraine.