Russia threatens to strike Berlin directly if Germany supplies Ukraine with Taurus missiles capable of striking Russian territory, as Chancellor Merz discusses weapon delivery possibilities following a €5 billion military aid pledge.
Key Takeaways
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is “within the realm of possibility” following meetings with President Zelenskyy
- Germany has pledged €5 billion in military aid and plans to finance production of long-range weapons systems in Ukraine
- The Kremlin warned of “harsh responses” including potential direct strikes on Berlin if German-supplied weapons are used against Moscow
- Merz claimed Western allies have lifted restrictions on long-range strikes into Russian territory, though this hasn’t been confirmed by Washington
- The escalating tensions come as peace talks are scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul
Germany Escalates Military Support for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled a potential shift in Germany’s military support for Ukraine that could dramatically escalate tensions with Russia. Following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, Merz indicated Germany might supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, weapons with a 500-kilometer range capable of striking deep into Russian territory. The chancellor’s comments came alongside Germany’s announcement of €5 billion in new military aid, marking a significant intensification of Western involvement in the conflict despite ongoing peace efforts.
When questioned about the possibility of delivering the sophisticated German-made missiles, Merz replied, “Of course, that’s within the realm of possibility.” He added that such a delivery would require “several months of training for soldiers in Ukraine.” These statements represent a potential reversal of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ban on providing these powerful weapons to Ukraine, though no formal announcement of policy change has been made. The proposed military aid package includes plans to equip Ukrainian forces with knowledge to operate these sophisticated weapons systems.
Russian Threats of Retaliation
The Kremlin’s response to Merz’s comments was swift and severe, with Russian officials issuing explicit threats of retaliation against Germany. Russian state media warned that if German-supplied weapons were used to strike Moscow, Russia might retaliate directly against Berlin. This extraordinary escalation of rhetoric demonstrates Russia’s increasing concern about Western-supplied long-range strike capabilities being turned against Russian soil. The threats come as Ukraine has already increased drone attacks affecting Moscow and disrupting flights in recent weeks.
“Ukraine will be able to fully defend itself, including against military targets outside its own territory,” said Friedrich Merz, outlining his vision for expanded Ukrainian capabilities.
The Taurus missile represents a particularly concerning development for Russia given its sophisticated capabilities. Similar to the Storm Shadow missiles already in Ukrainian hands, the Taurus features unique warhead designs specifically engineered to penetrate hardened targets and bunkers. Russia views the potential transfer of these weapons as crossing a dangerous new threshold that could make German cities legitimate military targets in their view.
Disputed Claims About Western Policy Shifts
Particularly controversial are Merz’s claims that Western allies have already lifted restrictions on Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory. According to Merz, this policy shift happened “many months ago,” though Washington has not confirmed any such blanket authorization. The ambiguity surrounding these claimed policy changes adds another layer of tension to an already volatile situation. President Trump has recognized the gravity of Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine while working to balance security concerns with diplomatic pathways forward.
Germany’s defense ministry also announced plans to finance production of long-range weapons systems directly in Ukraine, potentially creating a sustainable pipeline of advanced weaponry. “We want to talk about production and we will not publicly discuss details,” Merz stated, suggesting a new phase of military-industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine. This development comes as Ukraine has been increasingly using U.S.-made ATACMS and British-French Storm Shadow missiles, initially restricted to use against Russian targets on Ukrainian soil only.
Peace Talks Amid Escalating Threats
The timing of these developments is particularly fraught, with peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. The contradictory signals of ramping up military support while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic solutions illustrates the complex and precarious nature of the conflict. Germany’s willingness to discuss advanced weapons transfers at this sensitive diplomatic moment raises questions about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. The escalating rhetoric and threats from all sides create a dangerous backdrop for any meaningful peace discussions.
Ukraine’s military position remains challenging, with Russian forces maintaining offensive momentum in several sectors. The focus on improving Ukraine’s immediate military capabilities rather than speculating about future deliveries reflects the urgent reality on the ground. As Western nations continue to navigate this diplomatic and military quagmire, the stakes for miscalculation grow ever higher, with Russia clearly signaling its willingness to expand the conflict if certain boundaries are crossed.
