BERLIN, February 22. /TASS/. The German parliament (Bundestag) has backed a resolution co-authored by the factions of the ruling parties (the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Free Democratic Party) calling for the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine. Out of the 668 legislators present 382 were in favor and 284 against, while 2 abstained.
The resolution says that long-term military support for Ukraine includes the supply of the necessary additional long-range combat systems and ammunition so that it can carry out targeted strikes against strategically important facilities located far behind the lines of Russian forces. Taurus cruise missiles are not explicitly mentioned.
According to experts, this is a ploy that leaves some room for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to act on the issue of arms deliveries to Ukraine. Some commentators suspect that the resolution may imply MARS II MLRS.
Earlier on Thursday, the Bundestag voted against a resolution proposed by a faction of the opposition Christian Democratic/ Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc. In it the conservatives specifically demanded that Taurus missiles be supplied to Ukraine.
Disagreements over wording
The Bild newspaper reported earlier that there were disagreements among the factions of the ruling parties in drafting the resolution. The SPD was against some phrases, in particular a clause stating that Ukraine should be able to take control of Crimea. The Liberals and the Greens managed to have it their way and keep it in the final version. Scholz's party objected to the phrase that "Ukraine must 'win’," suggesting instead that "a Russian victory and Kiev's defeat will be unacceptable." Here, too, the Social Democrats had to give in. The resolution said, "It is important for peace in Europe and beyond that Ukraine win this defensive struggle."
At the same time, the SPD faction categorically rejected the possibility of mentioning Taurus. In this respect, the Greens and the Liberals failed to persuade their coalition partners to change their mind.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has so far been reticent to respond to Ukraine’s demands for these missiles. Last October he preferred not to do so for the time being. He has repeatedly stated that all arms deliveries were being coordinated with partners, including those across the Atlantic. He noted that providing Ukraine with air defense equipment and artillery ammunition remained Germany’s priority.
About 600 such missiles were purchased for the Bundeswehr 10 years ago. Taurus is considered to be a twin of Britain’s Storm Shadow missiles, some of which have already been provided to Ukraine. However, the range of the German-Swedish missile is greater, up to 500 kilometers.
In May 2023, then British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the transfer of Storm Shadow missiles with a range of about 250 kilometers to Ukraine.