Scholz Accused of Misleading Public Over Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
On Saturday, Russian television RT unveiled a recording where high-ranking Luftwaffe officers discussed that with several months of training, Ukrainians could manage the Taurus cruise missiles. They also deliberated on the number of missiles needed to destroy the Crimean Bridge.
Previously, Scholz maintained that deploying Tauruses in Ukraine would necessitate the participation of Bundeswehr soldiers. The German opposition, however, accuses Scholz of deceiving the public.
“It is necessary to clarify why the chancellor publicly makes false claims, stating that German soldiers' involvement is necessary,” said Alexander Dobrindt, head of the Bavarian CSU in the Bundestag, who also calls for the formation of an investigative committee.
Rolf Mützenich, the leader of the SPD faction (Scholz's party) in the Bundestag, expressed his preference to wait for the investigations from the prosecutor's office, services, and the Bundeswehr itself.
Is this not the last recording?
The opposition Christian Democrats argue that Scholz's caution is increasingly indefensible. They also express concern that this might not be the last recording Moscow possesses.
“Russians are deliberately collecting such materials to prevent arms deliveries to Ukraine, increase pressure on decision-makers, or manipulate public opinion,” stated CDU deputy Roderich Kiesewetter in "Tagesspiegel".
Commentators, despite criticizing the chancellor, doubt that the recording will alter the government's stance. Some argue that there is no point in sending weapons if the Russians are so fixated on the deliveries. Others highlight that surveys show more than half of Germans oppose sending Tauruses to Ukraine.
