Defense politician Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU) has called on the German government to supply Ukraine with cruise missiles following the recent massive Russian attacks on civilians. Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Kiesewetter asserted that the delivery of Taurus missiles is long overdue and remains militarily absolutely sensible as a long-range precision weapon.
While Kiesewetter presses for immediate action, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has thus far rejected the delivery, though he previously strongly demanded that Germany at least threaten such a supply.
Kiesewetter dismissed the government’s assertion that Ukraine no longer requires the Taurus system. He argued that tools capable of neutralizing Russian war logistics, production facilities, and ammunition stockpiles-thereby preventing Russia from launching rockets and drones onto Ukrainian civilians-are essential for increasing the efficiency of Ukraine’s defense. Furthermore, he noted that the Taurus could be useful for disrupting Russia’s logistical connections to the internationally unlawful territory of Crimea.
Kiesewetter emphasized that the massive war crimes and airstrikes conducted by Russia in recent days demonstrate that mere statements of solidarity from Germany are insufficient. He stressed that supplying the missiles would also serve as valuable “political signaling” to Moscow, demonstrating that Germany will not be intimidated and that support for Ukraine will not be undercut by Russia’s hybrid and cognitive warfare campaign.
Echoing this view, Anton Hofreiter (Greens), the chairman of the European Committee in the Bundestag, also stated that the supply of Taurus missiles is still necessary. He argued that this is not only a military requirement but also a message to Ukraine, ensuring that they were not fearful or hesitant in this hour of need.
