Germany Says No to Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine, Scholz Affirms

According to SAEDNEWS, On September 15, during a public gathering in Prenzlau, Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that Germany will not supply Ukraine with long-range weapons, specifically mentioning the Taurus missiles. His decision stems from concerns that doing so could significantly escalate the ongoing conflict with Russia.

"I said 'no' to that," Scholz stated, as reported by TASS news agency citing DPA. He emphasized that allowing Ukraine to strike deep within Russian territory would pose serious problems.

"This also applies to other weapons, if we were to supply them, that could strike at such a long distance," Scholz noted. "That's the way it will remain."

Scholz made it clear that his position remains unchanged, even if other countries decide differently. "I will not do that because I consider it a problem," he added.

He also commented on recent discussions about potential U.S. policy changes regarding strike permissions. He pointed out that not all reports about the U.S. lifting existing restrictions are accurate. After a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the White House did not confirm any plans to allow strikes with Western weapons deep into Russian territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the situation by stating that Ukraine lacks the capability to strike Russian territory without Western support, particularly due to its need for satellite intelligence and flight data. He also expressed that the current discussions among NATO countries revolve not just around Ukraine's potential use of long-range weapons but also the possibility of direct involvement in the conflict. Putin warned that Moscow would respond to any threats posed to Russia.