[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui] After the German incoming Chancellor Merz expressed willingness to provide Ukraine with "Taurex" long-range missiles, Russian President's Spokesman Peskov warned on April 14 that it would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation around Ukraine.

According to Reuters, Peskov told reporters on that day that it was obvious from Merz's remarks that he would take a "tougher stance" on the Ukrainian issue, but this "would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation around Ukraine."

"Unfortunately, European governments tend to avoid resolving the Ukrainian issue through peaceful negotiation channels and continue to fuel the continuation of the conflict," Peskov said.

Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Netchaev also warned that providing "Taurex" missiles to Ukraine would not change the battlefield situation but might escalate the conflict, as these missiles would be used under the guidance of German experts, which could prompt Moscow to take retaliatory measures.

On the evening of April 13, Merz spoke strongly against Russia during an interview with German Public Broadcasting Union (ARD). He first strongly condemned Russia's missile attack on Sumy, an eastern city of Ukraine, calling it a "serious war crime." Ukraine needs help to gain "an advantage" in the conflict.

Zeltweg, Austria, September 6, 2024. The "Taurex" cruise missile displayed at the "Air Power-2024" air show. Visual China.

When asked whether he would meet Ukraine's long-standing request for "Taurex" missiles, Merz responded that he was willing to do so as long as coordinated with European allies.

"Our European partners are already providing cruise missiles. The UK is providing them, France is providing them, and the US is providing them too," he said. "This must be coordinated together. If consensus can be reached, then Germany should participate."

Mentioning former US President Trump's efforts to promote peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Merz said that Russian President Putin "would not respond positively to weakness and peace proposals."

Meanwhile, Merz implied allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to attack the Crimea Bridge, which also sparked strong backlash from the Russian side.

In the interview, Merz said that Kyiv should use Western-provided missiles to launch offensive operations and destroy targets like "the most important land connection between Russia and Crimea."

"Russia Today" website reported that although Merz did not specify, many analysts believe that what Merz referred to was the Crimea Bridge, especially considering that since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the Ukrainian army has launched multiple attacks on the bridge.

September 14, 2023. The repaired part of the Crimea Bridge reopened after restoration. Visual China.

Vice Chairman of the Russian Security Council Medvedev posted on social media on April 14, saying that Merz was following in the footsteps of his "Nazi father."

"Incoming Prime Minister Fritz Merz is haunted by the memory of his father who served in Hitler's Wehrmacht. Now Merz proposes attacking the Crimea Bridge. Think about it, Nazi," Medvedev wrote.

Last November, Medvedev also stated that providing long-range missiles to Ukraine would not change the course of the special military operation; it was just a way to prolong the suffering of the Kiev regime.

"However, strikes with cruise missiles will multiply the risk of pushing the conflict into the most dangerous phase," he added.

As Merz made strong remarks against Russia, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), forming the Union Party, held a press conference in Berlin on April 9 with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to introduce their joint governance agreement.

This will be the fifth time in German history that a grand coalition government consisting of the Union Party and the SPD has been formed. Merz, the Union Party's candidate for chancellor, is expected to become the new prime minister in May.

The "Taurex" missile is jointly manufactured by European missile manufacturer MBDA and Swedish company Saab. Each missile costs approximately one million euros, capable of flying close to the ground to avoid enemy radar detection, and can precisely strike targets such as bridges, airports, ammunition depots, command, control, communication facilities, etc. In particular, the missile's range exceeds 500 kilometers, surpassing the "Storm Shadow" missiles provided by the UK and France, as well as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) provided by the US, enabling the Ukrainian armed forces to strike deep rear targets behind the front line.

Despite repeated demands from Ukraine and some German politicians for Germany to provide "Taurex" cruise missiles, the German government has previously been reluctant to change its position. Current Chancellor Scholz has repeatedly stated that providing such missiles with a range of 500 kilometers to Ukraine may trigger direct conflict between NATO and Russia, and he has a responsibility to prevent the escalation of conflicts.

Last October, Merz urged Scholz to issue an ultimatum to Putin, warning that if Putin continued to attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, Germany would provide weapons within 24 hours.

According to the Financial Times, it remains unclear whether Merz's coalition partners from the SPD would support the provision of "Taurex" missiles.

Regarding military aid provided by Western countries to Ukraine, the Russian side has repeatedly warned that this will further escalate the conflict, akin to "playing with fire."

This article is an exclusive contribution by Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493328358442107392/

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