German politician explains lack of support in Bundestag for giving Ukraine Taurus missiles
In German politics, many support the idea of donating Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine – both the conservative opposition, which has long demanded this, and many party leaders who are part of the ruling coalition. However, during a recent vote in the Bundestag, the corresponding proposal filed by the CDU/CSU bloc was backed only by this particular faction.
In an interview with Ukrinform, the head of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth (SPD), told why the issue saw no support from Social Democrats, Liberals, and the Greens.
It is a matter of parliamentary tradition, he explained.
"In issues that are controversial within the ruling coalition, it is not customary to vote for motions put forward by opposition. Some may not like it. But if we did not act like this, the efficiency of the government in Germany would face a major threat," said Roth.
At the same time, he assured that he personally "unequivocally supports the supply of Taurus" missiles.
The deputy is convinced that everything Ukraine needs in its defense effort to liberate the territories captured by Russia should be ultimately provided to the nation.
At the same time, Roth noted that many supporters of the idea of donating missiles, unfortunately, vainly believe that as soon as the Ukrainian Armed Forces receive the Taurus, "there will be no more problems, and we will finally be able to stop Russia in its tracks."
Ukraine, he recalled, needs much more, including ammunition, spare parts for repairing damaged military hardware, air defense systems, main battle tanks, and other weaponry.
"So, it is impossible to do it (win) with a particular weapon system, the Taurus," MP concluded.
He also called for "being a bit fairer" in criticizing Germany.
It should be recalled that Ukraine has been asking Germany to hand over long-range missiles since last year’s spring. The government of Germany is still hesitating to make the move.