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Impacting inaccessible locations: Defence Ministry explains importance of Taurus missiles for Ukraine's Armed Forces

Friday, 19 January 2024, 14:15
Impacting inaccessible locations: Defence Ministry explains importance of Taurus missiles for Ukraine's Armed Forces
Taurus. Stock photo: Getty Images

The acquisition of long-range German Taurus missiles by Ukraine will not radically change the battlefield situation but will greatly expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian military.

Source: European Pravda, citing Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defence, in an interview with Tagesspiegel

Details: The deputy defence minister was asked whether Kyiv is losing hope of receiving the Taurus after the proposal failed to gain support in the Bundestag.

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"Despite the negative outcome of the vote in the Bundestag, I hope that we will receive all the necessary support, including the Taurus," he replied.

Havryliuk noted that these missiles would be a significant addition to the armaments provided within the framework of the so-called air defence coalition for Ukraine, in which Germany and France play a leading role.

Quote: "These missiles are capable of striking inaccessible locations of enemy aircraft, missile systems and ammunition depots. They also have a greater range than other missiles we have already received, and they are resistant to electronic warfare."

Details: Asked whether obtaining these missiles would turn the tide on the battlefield in favour of Ukraine, the deputy defence minister replied that it would not have such a decisive effect.

Quote: "The Taurus missiles would assist our military on the battlefield and help the Air Force defend civilian infrastructure. It is too early to speak of a breakthrough in the war."

Background:

  • On 17 January, the Bundestag rejected the proposal of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU) (CDU/CSU) opposition alliance to supply German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
  • Even if a majority of the Bundestag votes to supply Taurus, the federal government, in particular the Federal Security Council, has the final say on arms exports.
  • At the beginning of the year, the German government hinted that they were not yet ready to provide Ukraine with these weapons.

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