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Transfer of Taurus missiles to Kiev would be mistake, German chancellor believes

Olaf Scholz has consistently ruled out the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles, which have a range of approximately 500 kilometers

BERLIN, November 20. /TASS/. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that, for various reasons, he considers the potential transfer of Taurus cruise missiles to Kiev a mistake and reiterated that he does not intend to supply them.

"In my view, supplying cruise missiles would be a mistake for many reasons," Scholtz said, explaining that in light of their capability and effectiveness to strike far inland, there would be no other option but to control the pick of targets. "This would mean involvement [in the conflict], which I consider inappropriate," the German government's press service quoted Scholz as saying.

"So, I make it clear: I stand by my decision not to supply this weapon," the chancellor emphasized.

Scholz has consistently ruled out the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles, which have a range of approximately 500 kilometers. The chancellor emphasized that providing such weapons would pose a significant risk of escalation. Kiev has long urged Berlin to deliver Taurus missiles, which are considered comparable to the British Storm Shadow weapons already supplied to Ukraine. However, the German-Swedish missiles have a longer range.

The debate over the need for Taurus deliveries has flared up again in Germany following the US decision to approve strikes from Ukraine deep inside Russia with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles.

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Ukraine crisis Germany

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