So far, Taurus missiles only harm Ukraine - German general
A heated discussion in German politics around the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine only hinders the supply of other weapons and ammunition that are already needed.
Retired German General Ronald Kater stated this on the Welt TV channel, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
“This is the only weapon, other than the American one, capable of destroying the bridge to Kerch. Because now it is necessary to quickly and permanently stop Russian supplies, and the bulk of Russian supplies go through the Kerch Bridge.
The political aspect suggests that the Kerch Bridge is partly in Russian territory, which means that Putin would be given another strong argument if he discovers that the bridge was destroyed by German weapons, and could say that Germany is now fighting directly , and with it NATO. So I want to stay away from these political debates,” Khater said.
However, he stressed that Taurus missiles alone will not bring about a fundamental change in the war. Despite the fact that even if a decision on them is made now, they will arrive in Ukraine only in a few months.
“Of course, from a military point of view, it would be very desirable if there was a Taurus. It is primarily aimed at logistics, at far-reaching targets, but also at combat positions. But I don’t see this as a healing weapon that could change this war, a so-called “game changer.”
If today the government decides that we supply Tauurs, then the first ones will be in Ukraine only in a few months. First of all, the question needs to be resolved: what aircraft will all this be used for? Now only Western planes are suitable. Okay, Ukraine with its excellent ability to improvise... maybe even with the Su-24, I don’t know. Then the appropriate crew must be trained.
The issue of repairs, advanced training, and so on. All these issues can be resolved, but it will take time,” the general explained.
Amid the debate over whether to provide it or not, the German complained, the supply of other weapons and, most importantly, ammunition is being stalled.
“Ammunition is a key topic now. I already think that the debate that is going on there should also be somewhere, but the priority and tension is only in Taurus, which is harmful, because it is not helping the Ukrainians at all now. Much more is needed. We need air defense and, above all, ammunition, especially artillery. And that’s where I see the problem,” Kater said.
English version :: Read in English So far, Taurus missiles are only harming Ukraine – German general