Russia threatens direct strikes on Berlin as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz considers sending devastating Taurus missiles to Ukraine, raising the specter of a wider European conflict amid fragile peace efforts.
Key Takeaways
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced €5 billion in military aid to Ukraine and suggested Taurus missile deliveries are “within the realm of possibility.”
- The Taurus missile has a 500km range and specialized warhead, potentially allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory.
- The Kremlin has issued stark warnings of potential direct strikes on Berlin if German missiles are used against Russian soil.
- Western nations have reportedly eased restrictions on using long-range missiles against targets inside Russia, though Washington has not confirmed this change.
- Peace talks are scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, even as military escalations continue on both sides.
Germany’s New Military Support Package
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a substantial €5 billion military and financial support package for Ukraine following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. The aid package represents a significant commitment from Germany, which has been criticized in the past for hesitation in supplying certain weapons systems. Merz’s statements suggest a potential shift in German policy regarding the supply of advanced weaponry to Ukraine, particularly the controversial Taurus cruise missiles which could dramatically alter the battlefield dynamics.
Merz addressed the possibility of delivering the German-made Taurus missiles directly: “Of course, that’s within the realm of possibility,” though he acknowledged such a move would require “several months of training for soldiers in Ukraine.” This stance marks a potential reversal of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s ban on sending these powerful weapons to Kyiv. Beyond immediate aid, Germany’s defense ministry announced plans to finance the production of long-range weapons systems in Ukraine itself, signaling a deeper military-industrial partnership.
The Taurus Missile Capability
The Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile represents a significant military asset with its 500-kilometer range and specialized warhead design. This German-Swedish weapon system is comparable to the Storm Shadow missiles already in Ukrainian hands but offers unique penetration capabilities. The potential delivery of these weapons would complement Ukraine’s existing arsenal of U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-French Storm Shadow missiles, potentially allowing Ukrainian forces to strike targets deep within Russian territory from safe positions.
“Ukraine will be able to fully defend itself, including against military targets outside its own territory,” Merz stated, suggesting that restrictions on Ukrainian use of Western weapons against Russian territory have been loosened. According to Merz, this policy shift occurred “many months ago,” though Washington has yet to confirm any formal change to previous restrictions that limited the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons to targets within Ukraine’s borders.
Russia’s Dire Warnings
The Kremlin’s response to Germany’s potential missile delivery has been swift and severe. Russian state media outlets have issued thinly veiled threats that such actions could make Berlin a legitimate military target. Russian sources have warned that if German weapons are used against Moscow, Russia might feel justified in retaliating directly against the German capital. These threats represent a dangerous escalation in rhetoric that raises the stakes for European security.
Russia has already faced Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and other cities, with recent incidents disrupting flights at major airports. The potential addition of Taurus missiles to Ukraine’s arsenal would represent a more significant threat to Russian infrastructure and military assets. President Putin appears increasingly willing to expand the conflict’s scope if Western nations continue supplying Ukraine with advanced weaponry capable of striking deep into Russian territory.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Military Escalation
Despite the escalating military tensions, peace talks are scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. This diplomatic effort comes at a critical juncture as both sides continue to strengthen their military positions. Merz emphasized that the current focus is on improving Ukraine’s immediate military position rather than making promises about future weapons deliveries. Germany and Ukraine plan to sign a memorandum for the joint purchase of “long-range fires” manufactured in Ukraine.
“We want to talk about production and we will not publicly discuss details,” Merz stated regarding the planned defense cooperation, highlighting the sensitive nature of these arrangements. President Trump has noted Putin’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, and the administration continues to monitor the situation closely. The delicate balance between providing military support to Ukraine while avoiding direct NATO involvement in the conflict remains a central challenge for Western policymakers.
As the conflict approaches its third year, the potential introduction of German Taurus missiles represents yet another escalation in a war that continues to threaten European security and stability. With Russia issuing direct threats against Berlin, the stakes of Western military support for Ukraine have never been higher, even as diplomatic channels remain technically open.
