German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that Europe should continue to increase aid to Ukraine even after the approval of a large US aid package, but made clear that he stood by his refusal to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, AP reports, UNN writes.
Details
Scholz spoke after meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin. "The two countries are Europe's largest providers of military aid to Ukraine... and both have pledged to continue this for as long as it takes," the newspaper points out.
This week, Ukraine received a boost with the approval by the US Congress of a $61 billion US military aid package that had been delayed for months. Scholz called it "an encouraging and necessary signal.
"But I also want to make it clear that the decision of the United States does not relieve us here in Europe of the task of further expanding our support for Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against the aggressor," the German Chancellor said.
As the publication points out, "Scholz, whose country recently pledged to supply Ukraine with a third battery of Patriot missiles, again called on other European countries that have the system to see if they can keep it in reserve.
About Taurus
Nevertheless, when asked if he would reverse his often-criticized refusal to send the Taurus missiles, Scholz listed in detail the military equipment provided by Germany and added: "As for the weapons system you mentioned, my decision will not change.
Scholz argues that the Taurus missiles can only be used responsibly with German soldiers, both inside and outside Ukraine, and says that this is a line he does not want to cross.
Sunak, who on Tuesday pledged new military aid to Ukraine, praised Germany's efforts in air defense in particular, saying that "every country has different things to offer.