US giving ATACMS rockets may clear way for Germany to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine
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The long-awaited transfer of U.S. ATACMS rockets to Ukraine may clear the way for Germany to provide Taurus cruise missiles, U.S. newspaper the Wall Street Journal reported on Sept. 22.
Previously, Berlin has indicated that it is best to "move in tandem with Washington" in supplying new types of weapons.
Ukraine has long sought missiles capable of targeting Russian supply lines, materiel depots and headquarters well beyond the front lines. At the moment, Kyiv has been using the UK’s Storm Shadow and French SCALP-E long-range missiles against targets in occupied territory, but there have been reports supplies of those may soon run short.
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sept. 21, U.S. President Joe Biden promised to transfer “a small number” of ATACMS long-range rockets to Kyiv, NBC News reported on Sept. 22, citing three U.S. officials and a congressional source. However, the White House and the Pentagon have not confirmed any reports regarding the Biden administration’s specific plans.
Earlier, NBC News, citing sources – three U.S. officials and a representative from the U.S. Congress – reported that President Biden had promised during his meeting with Zelensky on Sept. 21 to provide Kyiv with a small number of long-range ATACMS missiles.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced progress in discussions regarding the provision of U.S. ATACMS rockets and German Taurus missiles to Ukraine on Sept. 13. However, a final decision has yet to be reached.
German news magaizine Der Spiegel reported on Aug. 11 that the German government was exploring the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles.
At the time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was reportedly insistent on making modifications to the missiles to ensure that they could not target Russian territory.
Scholz denied any indecision on his part, although government sources have hinted that he may be the primary factor in slowing down the approval process.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin has not refused to provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles, but they are not ready to transfer themat the moment.
"The delay in deciding whether to transfer long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine is not due to distrust or hesitation, but stems from Berlin’s need to carefully consider the consequences of each move," Pistorius said on Sept. 15.
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