Two years of war in Ukraine and no end in sight: houses, schools and hospitals have been destroyed. People fear for their lives or are fleeing to other countries – without knowing when they will be able to return. Meanwhile, countries like Germany are asking themselves how they can support Ukraine in the fight once morest Russia. For example through donations. Or more weapons.
A weapon called Taurus
When it comes to weapons, there is always a heated debate in Germany. This has also been the case in the last few weeks: Should Germany send a certain weapon to Ukraine? Or better yet, not? The weapon in question is a so-called Taurus cruise missile. This is a projectile that resembles a rocket. Fighter pilots can drop the Taurus. But instead of immediately falling to the ground, the Taurus continues to fly. This missile can travel up to 500 kilometers. That corresponds to around four laps around Lake Neusiedl. In addition, the Taurus can go to any destination you give it. Well camouflaged, it flies through the air and might destroy important facilities of the Russian enemy – such as a weapons depot. This makes the Taurus a very powerful weapon.
Supply weapons: yes or no?
Should Ukraine get this powerful weapon? German politicians disagree regarding this. Supporters say Ukraine must be supported at all costs. Opponents fear that Russia might take revenge on Germany if it gets too involved in this war. Olaf Scholz has now decided that there should be no deliveries. As German Chancellor, he is the most powerful politician in the country and can decide such things.
Image: IMAGO/Carsten Thesing (www.imago-images.de)
Not for outside ears
But this story doesn’t end there. It recently became known that very important German soldiers were intercepted by Russia. What this means is that they overheard a conversation. The conversation was regarding the Taurus missiles and how they might be used in Russia. Highly secret information, then. The fact that Russia, of all people, knew regarding this conversation is one thing above all for Germany: very unpleasant. Because now many questions arise. How did Russia get this recording? And what else does Russia know?