German SPD blocks missile aid to Ukraine amid internal crisis
In the draft of its programme for the upcoming elections, the German SPD party has rejected the possibility of transferring Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. We recall the characteristics of this weapon, which Kyiv believes would significantly strengthen the Ukrainian army.
The potential transfer of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is a subject of heated discussions between Kyiv and Berlin and within Germany itself. It is considered a significant issue that has caused a political crisis in Germany. Reluctance to transfer this weapon to Ukraine has been repeatedly expressed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom the SPD party cites in its draft programme.
They don't want to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine
"We uphold Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision not to supply Taurus cruise missiles from the Bundeswehr's reserves," it was written in the SPD party's electoral programme draft, as quoted by newspapers from the Funke media group.
Taurus is a German-Swedish long-range cruise missile designed with stealth technology (making it difficult to detect). This is one of its key features, along with a range of about 480 kilometres, which would allow Ukraine to attack targets even on Russian territory.
These missiles have a length of about 5 metres and weigh about 1,400 kilograms, of which just over 500 kilograms is the MEPHISTO (Multi-Effect Penetrator Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimised) warhead with high destructive power and interesting capabilities. It can be detonated like a classic fragmentation explosive missile or after penetrating a user-specified number of obstacles, which is why Taurus missiles are often referred to as "bunker busters."
Long-range missiles in Ukrainian hands
Some allied countries are supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons and have already lifted restrictions on attacking targets deep inside Russia. This includes the United States (ATACMS ballistic missiles), the United Kingdom, and France. Gael Veyssière, the French ambassador to Ukraine, announced at the beginning of December this year that his country intends to continue supplying Ukraine with long-range SCALP-EG cruise missiles.
Meanwhile, the SPD party states that it supports actions such as training Ukrainian soldiers and supplying weaponry and equipment, but with "caution and a sense of proportion." The potential transfer of Taurus cruise missiles is presented as an action that could cause Germany and NATO to become parties to the war in Ukraine.
