Two years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine, but Germany is still discussing whether to send much-needed long-range weapons to the war-ravaged nation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently admitted that the country is still undecided on the matter, fearing that the weapon could be used to strike deep into Russia and widen the conflict. The move could also be seen as more direct involvement by Germany. Despite acknowledging that Berlin’s military aid to Kyiv is “too little,” Baerbock said German authorities have been “racking our brains though the past year” to assess how they can deliver more, including long-range weapon systems. Ukrainian defense officials have long been asking for long-range missiles and jets from the West to help repel invading Russian troops. Countries such as the US, the UK, and France have already reversed their previous decisions and delivered long-range weapons.
Baerbock said it is totally understandable for the people in Ukraine to say they need more of everything given the recent advances of Russian forces. Moscow has already taken full control of Avdiivka after months of heavy fighting and multiple failed attempts to seize the territory. Despite these gains, German lawmakers are still skeptical about delivering the highly-requested Taurus missiles to Kyiv. Initial plans involved technically modifying the weapon by applying programming restrictions to reduce its range and prevent Moscow from obtaining key components if captured. Baerbock did not say if a decision on whether to supply long-range weapons to Ukraine is imminent.
