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Berlin to refrain from sending Ukraine weapons requiring German troops to operate — Scholz

According to the chancellor, if Germany’s Taurus long-range missile system were to be delivered to Ukraine, the role of experienced Bundeswehr troops would be essential in determining "where to aim" the weapon

BERLIN, March 13. /TASS/. Germany will not provide Ukraine with any type of long-range weapons that would require any operational involvement by Bundeswehr (German armed forces) troops, Chancellor Olaf Scholz told members of the Bundestag.

"For me, shipments of such long-range weapons that might somehow involve German soldiers, including outside of Ukraine, are ruled out," he said. "It is a line which I, as Germany’s chancellor, do not want to cross. That is why I made this decision and made my stance clear," the chancellor added.

"These are weapons that it would be irresponsible to send without involving German soldiers. I have already reiterated this and will reiterate it now," he said.

According to the chancellor, if Germany’s Taurus long-range missile system were to be delivered to Ukraine, the role of experienced Bundeswehr troops would be essential in determining "where to aim" the weapon.

Nevertheless, Scholz remains convinced that Western countries should continue their military support for Ukraine.

"It is crucial to provide the assistance necessary for self-defense," he said. "First and foremost, Ukraine needs air defense systems.".

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