Camilla Jessen
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expresses doubts over a proposed missile exchange with the UK to support Ukraine.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has showcased a lukewarm response to the idea of exchanging cruise missiles with the United Kingdom. This proposal aimed to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities with additional long-range weaponry.
This development was reported by Tagesschau.
Pistorius’s Stance and the UK Proposal
During a conversation about the feasibility of such an exchange, Pistorius’s reaction was notably tepid, stating, “I don’t think so.” He clarified that British Foreign Minister David Cameron mentioned this idea only when prompted by a journalist, indicating that it was not a proactive initiative but rather a response to exploring all options.
Pistorius’s comments, “But that’s the end of it,” seem to close the chapter on this specific proposal.
Mixed Reactions Within Germany
The missile exchange suggestion, which involved trading German Taurus missiles for British Storm Shadow missiles, has sparked diverse opinions among German politicians.
Anton Hofreiter, a member of the German Bundestag from the “Greens”, supports the British proposal, seeing it as a viable way to aid Ukraine.
On the other hand, Johann Wadeful from the CDU/CSU opposition faction stands against the exchange, advocating for direct provision of Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
At the same time, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock has shown support for the proposal.