European Leaders Support Merz's Proposal for Taurus Missiles to Ukraine

European foreign ministers are expressing their support for Friedrich Merz's proposal to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which was discussed during a meeting in Luxembourg. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the necessity of enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities to protect civilians amid ongoing hostilities. She stated that further action is crucial to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian populace.

Poland's Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, echoed Kallas's sentiments, agreeing that the provision of such military support is essential. Meanwhile, the Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, described the potential delivery of Taurus long-range missiles from Germany as a significant message, asserting that peace cannot be achieved through negotiation alone while Russia continues its assaults on Ukraine.

In addition, Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Kestutis Budrys, remarked that Ukraine should receive all necessary weapons for its defense, emphasizing the urgency of supplying ballistic missiles. Merz had reiterated his offer on a television program, indicating that if he were to become Chancellor, he would facilitate the delivery of Taurus missiles to aid Ukraine in transitioning from a defensive to an offensive military stance. He argued that Germany must align its military support with that of its allies, including Britain, France, and the United States, who have already provided such weapons.

In response to the proposal, the Kremlin warned that a German delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine would be perceived as an escalation. The Russian government has consistently condemned any arms shipments to Ukraine, despite the successful deployment of Western weapons by Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns about the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the protracted conflict. In a recent interview, he expressed a desire for greater assurance of support from Washington, suggesting that the U.S. provide troops as part of an international peacekeeping effort and protect Ukraine's airspace.

In related developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump condemned a recent Russian missile strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. He described the attack as a terrible event and underscored the need for negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. The strike was met with widespread condemnation, and officials have noted the urgent need for a ceasefire.

Additionally, Zelensky has called for Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the devastation caused by the war firsthand, urging him to grasp the severity of the situation before making any decisions regarding negotiations. The latest attacks highlight the ongoing volatility in the region, underscoring the critical need for continued international support for Ukraine.