Official announcements from the German government or credible news outlets

CDU's Merz Proposes 24-Hour Ultimatum to Russia, Pledges Long-Range Taurus Missiles to Ukraine

Oct 16, 2024, 03:03 PM

German opposition leader and potential next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has expressed his readiness to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles under specific conditions. Merz, the CDU's future chancellor candidate, insists that before delivery, Russia must be given a 24-hour ultimatum to cease its attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine. If Russia fails to comply, Merz pledges to lift restrictions on Ukraine's long-range strikes and provide the Taurus missiles without any limitations. This stance marks a significant shift from the current policies of the Scholz government, which Merz has criticized for being too appeasing towards Russia. Merz suggests that an appeal to Putin should be made to halt the attacks.