UK Signals Support for German Delivery of Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
Britain is prepared to support Germany’s decision to supply Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles, The Gaze reports, citing The Telegraph. The move would bolster incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has stated he would proceed only with backing from France and the UK.
“The UK continues to work with partners, including Germany, to equip Ukraine to defend its sovereign territory,” a British official stated.
The Taurus missile system, capable of striking deep into Russian-held areas, has been a point of contention in Berlin. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz blocked the transfer, fearing escalation, but Merz signaled readiness to reverse that stance—pending allied approval.
Tensions remain within Germany’s incoming coalition government, with the Social Democrats (SPD) citing national security concerns. CDU senior MP Roderich Kiesewetter emphasized that UK endorsement could tip the balance, urging the new leadership to move past Scholz-era “delaying tactics.”
Kiesewetter warned that the failure to deliver Taurus missiles had weakened European security and prolonged the war in Ukraine. “Taurus is a highly effective tool to disrupt Russian supply lines and command structures,” he said.
The UK and France have already provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, respectively. At last week’s Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, co-chaired by the UK and Germany, over £18 billion in further military aid was pledged.
As The Gaze previously reported, Germany is prepared to send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, according to incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
European officials have responded positively to the statement by the future Chancellor that he may send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.