New German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday refused to say whether Germany would be prepared to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles if the Kremlin doesn't agree to a ceasefire soon, reported dpa.
Wadephul and his counterparts from the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Poland are meeting in London to discuss further steps on the path to peace in Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, instead suggesting direct talks with Ukraine.
Asked by a journalist whether the new conservative-led government in Berlin, which took office last week, would be open to supplying Kiev with the long-range missiles in case Russia doesn't budge on the ceasefire, Wadephul said: "Moscow should not underestimate the fact that the West is now prepared to exert a great deal of pressure."
Ukraine has long been demanding that Berlin deliver the extremely accurate, long-range Taurus missiles. While former chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly rejected the demand over concerns that such a step would draw Germany into the war, his conservative successor Friedrich Merz has signalled he would be open to delivering the weapons — albeit in close coordination with Germany's partners.
"Together with France, the UK and Poland, Germany has made it clear that there will be consequences if Putin is not prepared to agree to a ceasefire now," said Wadephul.
"We are in a position to impose further sanctions. I know from the United States of America that there is also a willingness there."
The German foreign minister said he had heard that there was great determination within the US Senate "to take advantage of the situation now and also to build up political pressure. And that also applies to Europe."
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
