A senior Russian lawmaker has warned that Russia could authorize strikes on German territory if Ukraine uses German-supplied Taurus cruise missiles to attack Russian targets. Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee and former deputy defense minister, stressed that Ukraine cannot operate the long-range Taurus missiles without direct German military assistance, potentially implicating Berlin in any offensive.

The Taurus KEPD 350 missile, with a range exceeding 500 kilometers, could reach targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow. Kartapolov explained that Ukrainian forces lack the technical capacity to fully operate such complex systems independently. While Ukrainian troops can launch the missiles, programming the targeting data relies on American and European satellite intelligence and expertise.

Speaking to Life.ru, Kartapolov stated, “If Germany supplies these missiles, German personnel will inevitably be involved on the ground.” He warned Moscow is “ready for everything” and prepared to intercept missiles, strike launch sites, operators, and supply locations if Germany proceeds with the transfer.

This warning follows German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent statement allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons without range limits. Merz confirmed that delivering the Taurus system to Ukraine is “possible,” but Ukrainian forces would need “several months of training” to use them effectively.

In parallel, Germany’s Defense Ministry announced an additional €5.2 billion ($5.6 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, much of which will support domestic production of long-range weapons.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned Berlin’s actions, accusing Germany of crossing a dangerous line and becoming directly involved in the conflict. Lavrov warned that Germany is “sliding down the same slippery slope it already followed a couple of times in the last century—toward its own collapse.”