German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has hinted that Germany may soon supply Ukraine with long-range weapons that can strike Russian territory, marking a potential shift in the nation’s military support for the ongoing conflict. This development follows months of hesitation and concerns over the risk of escalation. Wadephul, speaking to Die Zeit, did not name specific systems but appeared to reference the Taurus missile, capable of hitting targets up to 500km away. He emphasized the need for caution in revealing which weapons systems are being provided to Ukraine.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that supplying Taurus missiles could make Germany a direct party to the conflict, with Russian officials criticizing Western arms deliveries for prolonging hostilities and risking a broader confrontation. Recent statements from Germany’s new leadership under Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggest a more aggressive stance toward Russia, with Merz declaring diplomatic options exhausted and reaffirming his commitment to arming Ukraine. Despite this shift, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has reiterated that Berlin would not send Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Senior German General Christian Freuding recently indicated that Ukraine would receive its first batch of long-range missiles funded by Berlin by the end of July, though the type remains unspecified.