Source: Xinhua News Agency
BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded Germany on the 18th that if it provides Ukraine with "Taurean" cruise missiles, Russia will consider this action as direct involvement in the conflict, and such an act by the German side will severely damage the relations between Russia and Germany.
After Friedrich Merz officially assumed office as German Chancellor, Germany's position on whether to provide Ukraine with "Taurean" cruise missiles has shown some relaxation compared to the previous government. Olaf Scholz, the former Chancellor, clearly refused to provide Ukraine with "Taurean" cruise missiles during his term.
Putin said on the 18th while attending the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Ukraine needs Western countries to provide satellite data and German officers to be responsible for targeting if it launches "Taurean" cruise missiles. "If this is not direct involvement of the Federal Republic of Germany in armed conflicts with the Russian Federation, then what is it?"
Putin added that even if Germany does indeed provide Ukraine with "Taurean" cruise missiles, it will have no impact on the final outcome of the battlefield. "But this will comprehensively destroy our relationship."
Putin said that the Russian army is gaining the upper hand on the front line and is launching attacks on multiple fronts. He urged Ukraine to accept Russia's proposed peace negotiation plan before the battlefield situation changes. If the goals cannot be achieved through negotiations, Russia will achieve them by military means.
The "Taurean" cruise missile has a range of about 500 kilometers and can fly at low altitudes. Considering that directly providing Ukraine with "Taurean" missiles is highly sensitive, the Merz government seems to have chosen the "second path." According to reports by Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), Merz said at a press conference on May 28 that Germany has decided to move part of its long-range weapon production lines to Ukraine to jointly produce long-range weapons with Ukraine. The German Ministry of Defense confirmed that Germany and Ukraine have signed an agreement worth approximately $5.7 billion, with Germany supporting Ukraine in producing long-range weapons.
Putin also mentioned on the 18th that he is ready to communicate with Merz. He said, "If the German Chancellor wants to communicate by phone, I have repeatedly said - we refuse no communication, and we are open to it."
In addition, Putin emphasized that Russia will not regard Germany as a neutral mediator because Germany, together with other Western countries, provides Ukraine with military aid. (By Bao Xuelin)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517659804504982016/
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