German opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, has repeated his commitment to sending German-made Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
This came as Merz, frontrunner in the race to become Germany’s next Chancellor, is on a diplomatic visit to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland.
Merz, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), used the trip to condemn his country’s policy on arming Ukraine.
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz has repeatedly refused to send Taurus cruise missiles – which have a range of 500 kilometers (310 miles) – to Ukraine, fearing this could draw his country into a direct conflict with Russia.
Merz has said that if he is elected in February, he will reverse that decision.
Speaking at a news conference alongside Zelenskky, Merz stated, “President Zelensky knows our position on Taurus missiles… As it stands today, at the beginning of December 2024, it remains the same.”
Taurus missiles have a 300-mile range; twice that of Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp weapons system already given to Kyiv.
“We want your army to be capable of hitting military bases in Russia. Not the civilian population, not infrastructure, but the military targets from which your country is being attacked.
“With these range limits, we are forcing your country to fight with one hand tied behind your back.”
Friedrich Merz
On his part, Zelenskyy told Merz, “We are counting on stronger, more decisive actions from Germany, from you personally.” We are counting on it very much,” Zelenskyy added, mentioning Ukraine’s request for an invitation to join NATO and for long-range missiles.
Also, the Ukrainian President was quoted as saying that there are plans to discuss Ukraine’s NATO membership with US President, Joe Biden who leaves office next month.
“I intend to call President Biden in the coming time to discuss the question of an invitation to join NATO.
“He is the current President and a lot rides on his opinion. Discussing it with Trump before he takes office doesn’t make so much sense.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy has previously suggested ending the “hot phase” of the war in exchange for Nato membership for the Ukrainian territories not occupied by Russia.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion was launched in 2022, Zelensky asked for Ukraine to be admitted to NATO – the 32 member western military alliance – as soon as possible.
NATO said earlier this year that Ukraine had made significant progress on democratic, economic and security reforms, but said that a formal membership invitation would only be given when all the required “conditions are met”.
Russia sees the idea of Ukraine’s integration into NATO as anathema and says it is an unacceptable security threat.
Estonian Prime Minister Visits Kyiv
Separately, Estonian Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, arrived in Kyiv to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior officials, including Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal.
Michal replaced Kaja Kallas as Prime Minister in July. She had resigned to become the EU’s Foreign Policy chief after emerging as one of the strongest critics of Russia and supporters of Ukraine in the political bloc and NATO.
It is Michal’s first visit to Ukraine as Head of the Estonian government.
He asserted that supporting Ukraine to victory will remain Estonia’s priority, adding, “We will not make concessions.”
Zelenskyy has said Estonia’s commitment to keep supporting Ukraine with 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) “serves as an excellent example for other partners.”
Estonia, which borders Russia and spends more than 3% of its GDP on defence, has been one of the staunchest supporters of Ukraine – both military and in terms of humanitarian assistance.
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