British Soldiers in Ukraine and London Urge Germany for Taurus Missiles

The ongoing conflict against Russia has led to the call for Germany to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles. Britain, which currently has troops stationed in Ukraine for undisclosed reasons, is actively advocating for Berlin to supply Kiev with these long-range missiles. The prognostications suggest that these missiles could significantly alter the course of the war.

The Taurus missiles, manufactured in Germany, have an impressive range of approximately 500 km. This is double the range of the Franco-British Storm Shadow missiles, which are already in the possession of the Ukrainian military. A spokesperson from Downing Street has shared with the Guardian that, “The UK was the first country to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine, we encourage our allies to do the same.”

Germany Declines to Supply Taurus Missiles to Ukraine

While there is a demand for the Taurus missiles, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has firmly declined. The missiles have the potential to reach deep into Russian territory – even as far as Moscow. Chancellor Scholz asserts his authority in this matter, stating, “I am the chancellor and my word counts.” He further explains that Germany could only ensure the proper use of the Taurus missiles if German soldiers were involved in the launch operations. However, he categorically refutes this possibility, stating, “This is totally out of the question”. He emphasizes that German soldiers cannot be associated with these missile systems in any way.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expresses a more optimistic viewpoint, stating, “We will do everything possible so that Ukraine can defend and protect itself. We must precisely control all the means we have, on the basis of international law”.

Currently, Germany is managing a situation regarding intercepted conversations between senior officials, which were subsequently broadcasted online by RT – a TV broadcaster that serves as a mouthpiece for the Kremlin. These conversations, which took place a few weeks ago and lasted 38 minutes, include discussions about the potential use of Taurus missiles against the Kerch bridge in Crimea. General Ingo Gerhartz, head of the Luftwaffe, also shares his views on the presence of British troops in Ukraine to manage the Storm Shadow missiles.

The Role of British Soldiers in Ukraine

The commander shares insights on military planning, stating, “When it comes to planning a mission – I know how the English do it. They also have some men in the field. The French, on the other hand, don’t”. Britain has confirmed the presence of “a small number of elements” in Ukraine, yet they have not provided specific details about their roles. Recently, Canada has not denied the possibility of deploying their soldiers to train the Ukrainian military.

Amidst these developments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov has stated that the intercepted conversations, “once again highlight the direct involvement of the entire West in the war in Ukraine”.

Macron’s Change in Stance

Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron has shifted his standpoint. A week ago, he had suggested the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine. However, he has now clarified his statement, explaining that “in response to a question about sending troops, I said that nothing is ruled out”. This does not necessarily mean that France plans to deploy forces to Ukraine in the near future. Rather, Macron states that they are considering all possible ways to support Ukraine.

In an interview with the Czech newspaper Pravo, Macron further clarified his stance, “Moreover, I have always been clear about our red lines: we do not fight against the Russian people and we reject the logic of escalation”, emphasized the French president.