German politicians differ on escalation risks if Taurus missiles are delivered to Ukraine – Bundeswehr general

Taurus cruise missiles would have a real military impact for Ukraine, but the decision on their supply is a political responsibility of the governing parties.

Major General Wolf-Juergen Stahl, President of the Federal Academy for Security Policy (BAKS) and officer of the Bundeswehr, stated this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"From a military point of view, I can say that such systems would have an effect. However, whether there is readiness to assume political responsibility for this military effect is a decision that must be made exclusively by politicians," Stahl said.

The general added that he is not involved in the decision-making process regarding Taurus and cannot comment on the government's motives.

"This is a political decision taken by the relevant governing parties. I am not involved in these processes and cannot speculate about specific motives," he said.

According to him, within Germany's political debate there are different assessments regarding the risks of escalation if such systems are transferred.

Commenting on Ukrainian strikes against targets deep inside Russia, Stahl said such actions correspond to classical military principles.

"If it is not possible to neutralize the adversary directly on the frontline, attempts are made to limit its ability to wage war, including strikes on logistics, supply chains, and industrial facilities. This corresponds to classical military principles: operating in depth, applying pressure on the system as a whole, and pushing it to the limits of functionality,” he said.

Photo: M. Hurek for FOCUS