Source: Global Times new media
According to reports by RT and other media outlets, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova warned on the 17th that if Germany intends to provide Ukraine with the "Tauro" missile and uses it to attack targets within Russia, it will be considered as "Germany's direct participation in the conflict", and Russia will take corresponding countermeasures.
German incoming Chancellor Merz (left) and Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova, photo source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Russian Foreign Ministry
Previously, incoming German Chancellor-to-be, Union Party candidate for Chancellor Merz said in an interview with ARD on April 13th that he intended to allow Germany to provide Ukraine with "Tauro" long-range cruise missiles and avoid direct involvement of Germany in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Merz even suggested that the Ukrainian military should use this missile to destroy the most important land connection between Russia and Crimea. It was reported that he implied an attack on the Kerch Bridge.
RT mentioned that the range of the "Tauro" missile can reach up to 500 kilometers, which means it could be used to attack deep targets within Russia. Current German Chancellor Scholz has repeatedly refused Ukraine's request to provide "Tauro" missiles due to concerns over escalation of the conflict.
On April 17th local time, Zakharova stated at the Russian Foreign Ministry press conference that even if these missiles are transferred to Ukraine, they will still be under German control. Zakharova said, "Because it is impossible to fire these cruise missiles without direct assistance from German Federal Defense Forces personnel, any attacks on Russian facilities or key transportation infrastructure... all of this will be regarded as Germany's direct participation in military operations."
Previously, Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Netchaev also warned that providing Ukraine with "Tauro" missiles would not change the battlefield situation but might lead to an escalation of the conflict, prompting Moscow to take retaliatory measures.
On the 15th, the federal spokesman of Alternative for Germany said that Merz's plan had already crossed the line. Providing Ukraine with "Tauro" cruise missiles would be a step towards escalation, potentially dragging Germany into a major uncontrollable conflict. The Alternative for Germany called for an immediate halt to the provision of all weapons to warring parties and advocated diplomatic efforts to restore European peace.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494646668969656871/
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