Merz was asked about his position on deliveries to Ukraine Taurus missiles, which was one of his election promises. The Chancellor did not give a direct answer, but did not rule out the possibility of passing this weapon to Ukrainian armed forces.
– To some extent, I continue the policy of the previous government, which has been conducted for the last three and a half years. We made many common decisions. In April 2022, we worked together in the Bundestag. I was one of the first politicians in Germany who came to Ukraine in May 2022. We always thought that we should support Ukraine not only because it is in the interest of Ukraine, but also because it is in our common European interest. This war not only threatens Ukraine's territorial integrity. This war is trying to completely destroy the political order of Europe. And that's why we are on the side of Ukraine – emphasized Merz.
According to him Decisions regarding the transfer of Taurus missiles will be made in close cooperation with partners and are not a topic for public discussion.
– The scale of what we do is something that we will look even closer to our partners in the future as part of the “Coalition of Volunteers”. And the fact that I am here today should show you all that this format is the one in which I, perhaps with Poland, will do everything possible to make us leaders of these four countries [wchodzących w skład “koalicji chętnych”]. Actions that we will take to end this war, and the decisions that we will make together to ensure possible peace in Ukraine are not a topic for public discussion – noted Merz.
He also emphasized the importance of the United States involvement and pointed out that decisions regarding security guarantee for Ukraine and the road to the room would be made “in a timely manner”.
– All this will be discussed internally, in the same format, together with the United States. I think that the most important thing is that the United States remain involved, remain with us. And what safety guarantees we can give Ukraine so that Ukraine can find peace are decisions that will be made in a timely manner – summed up the Chancellor.
Context: April 14 this year. Friedrich Merz said that he always supported the transfer of Taurus missiles Ukraine if this decision was agreed with European partners.
At the end of April, the former Ukrainian ambassador in Germany Andriy Melnyk wrote an open letter to the future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz with an appeal to immediately hand over Ukraine to 150 Taurus missiles.
