German Parliament rejects delivery of Taurus missiles: Bad news for Ukraine

In the German Bundestag, a motion submitted by the opposition Christian Union (CDU/CSU) parties to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles has been rejected.

The motion failed to pass, with 495 votes against and 190 in favor. Five members of parliament abstained from the vote.

A similar motion submitted by the CDU/CSU on February 22 had also been rejected. This marks the second time a motion brought by the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag regarding the provision of Taurus missiles to Ukraine has been turned down.

CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group Deputy Chairman Johann Wadephul delivered a speech before the vote, criticizing Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his refusal to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine, stating, "Determination and clarity are needed to support Ukraine."

Wadephul argued that Ukraine must be supported in every possible way, including the supply of long-range Taurus missiles, in order to win the war.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ACCUSE CDU OF 'PLAYING GAMES'

Agnieszka Brugger, Deputy Chair of the Green Party parliamentary group, which is part of the government, explained that although they want Taurus missiles to be provided to Ukraine immediately, they did not support the CDU/CSU motion.

Noting that Ukraine urgently needs ammunition as well as long-range weapons like the Taurus, Brugger stated, "We must support Ukraine with all means so that it can win the war. Of course, all risks in this regard are being carefully evaluated."

Alexander Müller, a member of parliament for the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the smaller partner in the government, also stated that his party believes Ukraine should be supported with everything Germany can provide, including Taurus missiles.

Reminding that the parliament had previously accepted a motion demanding the provision of 'more comprehensive weapons systems' to Ukraine, Müller emphasized that Taurus missiles could be evaluated within this scope.

Müller claimed that the CDU/CSU was trying to "play games" by submitting these motions, stating that while the opposition has the opportunity to do so, they, as parties in the government, would not support the motion.

Members of parliament speaking on behalf of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the senior partner in the government, also expressed their support for Scholz's stance that Taurus missiles should not be given to Ukraine, stating that the Chancellor is acting with moderation and responsibility.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to questions from members of parliament in the Bundestag yesterday, once again objecting to demands for the delivery of Taurus missiles, which have a range of 500 kilometers, to Ukraine.

Scholz argued that, like all other leaders in Europe and NATO who share his view, he bears the responsibility of preventing Germany from becoming involved in this war.