German opposition leader promises Ukraine Taurus missiles if he wins election

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and the leading candidate to become the next chancellor, announced during his visit to Kyiv on Dec. 9 that he would provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles if he wins the upcoming elections.

“President Zelensky is aware of our position on the Taurus missiles… As of now, in early December 2024, it remains unchanged,” Merz said during a joint news conference with Zelenskyy, according to Voice of America.

Merz criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz current policy toward Ukraine, arguing that it forces Kyiv to “fight with its hands tied.”  

“Our position is clear, as is that of our parliamentary faction. We want your army to be able to strike military bases in Russia – not civilian targets, not infrastructure, but military sites from which your country is being attacked,” Merz said.

Merz has been a strong advocate for increasing support for Ukraine, calling for a more decisive stance.  

“The war in Ukraine must end as soon as possible. Only if Ukraine can defend itself will [Kremlin leader Vladimir] Putin enter negotiations,” he added.

The German government coalition collapsed on Nov. 6 after Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leaving the governing coalition without a majority in the Bundestag legislature. 

Early elections are now expected to take place on Feb. 23, 2025, according to Bloomberg. On Dec. 16, Scholz will present a vote of confidence to ensure the election goes ahead.

Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance has seen a surge in voter support, reaching a record 33 percent, according to an Insa poll for Bild, Germany’s leading tabloid newspaper. In contrast, Scholz’s SPD party enjoys only 14 percent support among German voters.

Earlier, Merz said that supplying long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine would not make Germany a party to the conflict.