A senior German general has urged Ukraine to strike Russian airfields and weapons production facilities to weaken Russia’s offensive capabilities, suggesting such strikes could disrupt Russian military operations before they are deployed. The general, Christian Freuding, who oversees Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine, emphasized the need for Europe to reconsider its economic measures against Russia to limit its production of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic systems.
Freuding lamented that despite Western sanctions, Russia has increased its production of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic systems. He called for a reevaluation of current economic measures and a focus on limiting Russian production capabilities. Furthermore, he pointed out the inefficiency of using expensive Patriot missiles to counter relatively cheap drones, advocating for more cost-effective solutions.
Last year, the U.S. authorized Ukraine to use American long-range weapons to strike inside Russia, although with significant restrictions on range and target selection. Germany has been reluctant to send Taurus long-range missiles due to concerns about escalation. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has accused Germany of becoming ‘dangerous again,’ following statements by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius about the need to prepare troops to ‘kill’ Russian soldiers if necessary.
The general also pointed to the limitations of U.S.-made Patriot air defense missiles against waves of Russian drones. He explained that while a drone costs around €30,000-50,000 depending on the model, it is wasteful to shoot it down with a Patriot missile costing over €5 million. He emphasized the need for more affordable countermeasures, especially as Russia aims to further increase its production capacity.
Freuding confirmed that Ukraine would receive the first batch of long-range missiles financed by Berlin before the end of July. However, Germany has been hesitant to send Taurus missiles due to concerns over potential escalation.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Germany was becoming ‘dangerous again,’ following remarks by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius about the need to prepare troops to ‘kill’ Russian soldiers if necessary. Moscow accused the German leadership of supporting ‘confrontation’ and pursuing an ‘aggressive mobilization of Europe against Russia.’
These developments highlight the growing tensions in the region, as European nations grapple with the balance between supporting Ukraine and avoiding further escalation with Russia. The German general’s comments underscore the military and economic pressures facing both sides, with implications for the ongoing conflict and international relations.