Growing Number of Germans Oppose Supplying Missiles to Ukraine

Written by Camilla Jessen

Mar.06 - 2024 11:31 AM CET

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Photo: Kutsenko Volodymyr / Shutterstock.com
Photo: Kutsenko Volodymyr / Shutterstock.com
A recent survey shows a significant increase in the number of Germans against sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

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In a recent survey, the number of Germans opposed to supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine has seen a notable increase, according a publication by Die Zeit.

The poll revealed that only 28% of respondents are in favor of providing the Bundeswehr missiles, which have a range of 500 kilometers, to Kyiv.

Meanwhile, 58% are against the idea, with more than half of these opponents (31%) fundamentally against the idea of supporting Ukraine with any German weapons at all. Additionally, 14% of those surveyed were unsure how to respond.

The survey, which involved 2,169 German citizens, was conducted from March 1 to 5. This period followed Chancellor Olaf Scholz's firm declaration against the missile supply, made in the previous week.

Scholz has expressed concerns that supplying Taurus missiles could potentially drag Germany into the conflict, especially if the missiles were to land on Russian territory or if German soldiers were required to be stationed in Ukraine to assist with target programming.

According to YouGov polls, the resistance to the Taurus missile supply has been growing. A poll conducted in early February (from the 2nd to the 6th) showed that opposition has increased from 49% to 58%, with support dropping from 31% to 28%.

This increase in opposition comes amidst efforts by Russia to disrupt weapon supplies, including the publication of intercepted negotiations among top representatives of the German Air Force regarding the Taurus missiles.