Germany's Merz Urged to Announce 150 Taurus Missiles for Ukraine on May 6 Amid Melnyk's Demands
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Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany's next chancellor in two weeks, with his inauguration expected to take place on May 6. Merz will assume office amid calls for increased German military support to Ukraine, particularly the delivery of 150 Taurus cruise missiles and 30% of Germany's combat aircraft, as outlined in an open letter by Ukrainian diplomat Andrij Melnyk. Melnyk has urged Merz to announce the Taurus transfer to Ukraine in the Bundestag on May 6.
Melnyk's letter also requests that Germany and its EU and G7 partners allocate at least 0.5% of GDP annually to arm Ukraine, amounting to €86 billion from Germany by 2029 and €550 billion from the EU and G7 over four years. He further calls for the confiscation of frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction.
The outgoing government under Olaf Scholz has refused to provide Taurus missiles, citing escalation risks. Merz has signaled openness to the transfer but emphasizes coordination with European allies. The Social Democratic Party, Merz's coalition partner, has expressed resistance to the proposal.
Britain has indicated it would support a German decision to send Taurus missiles. Merz is also planning to visit Paris on May 7 to strengthen ties with French President Emmanuel Macron, reflecting efforts to align with France, Poland, and the UK on Ukraine policy.
Russia has warned that supplying Taurus missiles would be considered direct German involvement in the conflict. As Germany prepares to expand its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States for European security, Merz's early decisions, including on military aid to Ukraine, are expected to influence Berlin's role in Europe and the ongoing war.
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