Germany informs Ukraine ‘no Taurus missiles’
(MENAFN) Germany has ruled out sending additional Patriot air defense systems or long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the Financial Times. He explained that Germany must prioritize its own security, as its stock of Patriot systems is already stretched thin.
In the interview published on Sunday, Pistorius noted that Germany had originally possessed 12 Patriot systems but has already transferred three to Ukraine. Of the remaining six, two are stationed in Poland, while at least one is reserved for maintenance or training purposes. “We simply don’t have enough left to spare, especially with NATO defense obligations to meet,” he said.
Pistorius added that Germany is currently negotiating with the United States to acquire two additional Patriot systems from American stockpiles, which would then be supplied to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump recently confirmed his approval of the transfer.
The German defense minister also urged domestic arms manufacturers to accelerate production as part of the broader REarmEurope initiative, aimed at countering what Berlin describes as Russian aggression — claims Moscow continues to deny.
Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s stance against sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite ongoing requests from Kiev. With a range of up to 500 kilometers, the Taurus missiles could reach targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow itself. Berlin has long been cautious about sending such weapons, with former Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly blocking the move over fears of escalation. Although current Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the issue remains open, he confirmed Germany is assisting Ukraine in developing its own long-range capabilities through a bilateral agreement, with no restrictions on their future use.
Russia has warned that supplying Taurus missiles would make Germany a direct party to the conflict. Moscow has consistently criticized Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing they only serve to prolong the war and raise the risk of broader confrontation. Russian officials also maintain that Moscow has no intention of attacking European nations, accusing the West of using fear tactics to justify higher defense spending.
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