Germany’s Finance Minister Blocks Taurus Missile Supply To Ukraine As Russia Threatens Retaliation

Germany is backing away from supplying Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles, reportedly due to cost concerns, training delays, and fears of provoking Russia. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil opposed the move, highlighting the risk of being seen as a direct war participant. This comes just after Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov warned of war if Germany provided such weapons. Despite earlier promises by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Berlin now offers a joint missile production plan instead, reflecting internal coalition divisions and strategic ambiguity on its Ukraine policy.