The German Chancellor added that the two countries today took a “real first step” in industrial cooperation on the production of long-range weapons, which will be possible to carry out both in Ukraine and in Germany.
Under the previous government of Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, Germany—currently the second-largest supplier of military equipment to Ukraine—refused to deliver Taurus long-range missiles, fearing an escalation in relations with Russia.
Before taking office in early May, Chancellor Merc said he supported the delivery of missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometers, capable of reaching deep into Russian territory. Since assuming office, however, he has avoided speaking publicly about the issue.
Moscow has warned that deliveries of Taurus missiles would be seen as Germany directly participating in the war.
Joint production of long-range missiles could bypass the sensitive issue of sending German-made long-range missiles to Ukraine.
