What you need to know about Taurus cruise missiles: Ukraine’s new weapon threatening Putin

WorldPolitics
29 May 2025 • 7:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that Germany might send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, potentially enabling Kyiv to strike deeper into Russian territory.
  • This potential move marks a shift from former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's stance, who was against sending such weaponry due to concerns about direct involvement in the war.
  • The Taurus missiles, with a range of up to 310 miles and stealth technology, could significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to target Russian forces and assets, including in the Black Sea region.
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has already criticised the potential delivery as a "very dangerous trend", while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock defended Ukraine's right to defend itself.
  • The discussion around sending Taurus missiles follows a leak of a German military conversation about their potential use in Ukraine, which has raised security concerns and drawn threats from Moscow.

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