Camilla Jessen
As Russian attacks escalate, Berlin doubles down on military aid.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war on Ukraine have reached a dead end.
Speaking during a Bundestag budget debate, Merz told lawmakers on June 9, “Diplomatic means are exhausted,” according to German news outlet n-tv.
His comment followed what Ukrainian officials called the largest Russian airstrike on the country since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The coordinated assault hit several regions and severely damaged infrastructure across Ukraine.
Germany Doubles Down on Military Support
Germany has been one of Ukraine’s key defense partners, and Merz used the opportunity to reaffirm that Berlin will not waver in its support.
In mid-June, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to allocate an additional €1.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine for 2025.
According to the ministry, the funds will go toward the development and supply of long-range weapons systems, bringing Germany’s total military support to roughly €9 billion.
Included in the support so far are multiple high-end air defense systems like IRIS-T batteries and U.S.-made Patriot systems — critical assets for Ukraine as it continues to defend against missile and drone attacks.
Taurus Missiles Under Discussion
Merz also addressed the ongoing debate over whether Germany will provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles.
While he confirmed that no decision has been made, he noted that any deployment would take significant time.
“It would take at least half a year to train Ukrainian personnel and prepare for the use of these systems,” Merz explained.
Taurus missiles could give Ukraine the ability to hit strategic targets deep behind enemy lines, including inside Russian territory. That capability has sparked heated political discussion in Germany, but Merz’s comments suggest the door remains open.
Germany has already agreed to supply Ukraine with 500 long-range missiles under a previous deal, though exact delivery timelines remain unclear.
