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Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, is facing a significant challenge surrounding the Taurus missile, a 5-meter-long, 1.4-ton precision-guided cruise missile of the Bundeswehr. Initially, it was an internal political dispute within the coalition on whether to deliver the missiles to Ukraine. However, since Scholz broke his silence on Taurus last week, the issue has gained international attention, with accusations of indiscretion and a leaked conversation among Bundeswehr officers adding to the complexity.
In a conversation initiated by Luftwaffeninspekteur Ingo Gerhartz, details about Taurus were disclosed, including the potential quantity of missiles for delivery and their estimated cost. The situation has raised concerns about Germany's security, as the leaked information could pose risks given the country's vulnerability to Russian intelligence. Additionally, the controversy has strained relations with allies, particularly the UK, following Scholz's public explanation for rejecting Taurus delivery to Ukraine and allegations of Germany's inability to handle target guidance independently.
The British government denied Scholz's claims, but the leaked conversation indicated the UK's involvement in supporting Ukraine with missile guidance. The situation has heightened tensions, with some viewing Scholz's statements as an abuse of intelligence information. There are also accusations of the Chancellor providing false information regarding the necessity of German involvement in Taurus deployment.
Despite these challenges, Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius are adopting a defensive strategy, urging unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin's alleged eavesdropping. The government characterizes the situation as absurd Russian propaganda. While the opposition may exert pressure, Scholz appears unlikely to reverse his decision on Taurus delivery, fearing it would be seen as a response to the surveillance and potentially escalate the situation. Overall, the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine seems increasingly improbable in the aftermath of recent events, aligning with Putin's interests.