KYIV, Ukraine: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, during a visit to Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa, stated that Germany is still deliberating whether to provide long-range weapons to Ukraine.
Speaking at a Press conference alongside her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on the second anniversary of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, Baerbock acknowledged that current military assistance to Ukraine is insufficient. She expressed Germany’s efforts to explore avenues to provide more support, including the potential supply of long-range weapons systems.
German lawmakers recently approved further military assistance for Ukraine, including long-range weapon systems, but halted the delivery of Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv due to concerns about escalating the conflict within Russian territory and perceived direct German involvement.
Ukrainian officials have been advocating for advanced weapons systems, particularly longer-range missiles like the U.S. ATACMS and Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles, to target deeper into Russian-held territories.
Baerbock emphasized the understanding of Ukraine’s need for increased military support, echoing sentiments expressed by Ukrainian leaders. She underscored ongoing discussions about potential weapons deliveries and additional air defence systems.
While specifics about the weapons discussed were not divulged, Kuleba noted the availability of concrete offers and affirmed Germany’s commitment to explore bilateral or multilateral avenues for collaboration with Ukraine on military assistance initiatives.
