Berlin – On July 8, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a statement that could mark a turning point not only for Germany’s foreign policy but also for the broader security architecture of Europe. Speaking before the Bundestag, he effectively acknowledged the failure of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and signaled Berlin’s readiness to expand its military support for Kyiv.
Merz’s words — “We cannot wait for diplomacy to come back to life while people are dying” — were not just an expression of empathy. They were a call to action. For the first time, the German head of government openly hinted at the possibility of supplying Taurus cruise missiles — one of the most sensitive weapon systems debated over the past two years. These missiles, capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away, could significantly alter the dynamics of the battlefield.
This statement comes amid a sharp escalation of hostilities. Just one day after Merz’s speech, Ukrainian military sources reported that Russian forces had launched a massive drone attack on Lutsk using more than 700 drones. Such strikes are being carried out increasingly closer to Ukraine’s western borders, raising serious concerns about regional stability.
For many observers, Merz’s shift came as a surprise, especially given his previous caution regarding the Taurus systems. As recently as May, he stated that the issue was not on the agenda, citing a lack of trained Ukrainian personnel and the need for coordination with allies. However, the worsening conflict and growing pressure both domestically and from international partners appear to have compelled the chancellor to reassess his priorities.
The domestic response in Germany has been telling. Merz’s remarks sparked intense debate in parliament, with the Social Democrats — junior partners in the ruling coalition — warning against hasty decisions, fearing the country could be drawn into direct military confrontation. Yet, growing concern about stability on Europe’s eastern flank and diminishing faith in diplomacy are leading more lawmakers to support a more decisive approach.
Externally, expectations on Germany are mounting. Brussels is discussing the creation of a €100 billion fund to support Ukraine starting in 2028, while Washington has confirmed the resumption of military aid deliveries. In this context, Merz’s words are seen not as improvisation but as part of a coordinated effort among allies to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Moscow’s reaction was swift. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that any delivery of long-range missiles would lead to “irreversible consequences.” Yet, as analysts point out, such threats are increasingly losing their deterrent power over European leaders, who are weary of the protracted war and the deepening humanitarian crisis.
At the same time, appeals are growing louder from those directly affected. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, in an open letter published in Bild, reminded Merz of his past promises. “If we don’t receive protection, cities will vanish,” he wrote, appealing not only to politics but to human conscience.
The fate of the Taurus deliveries has now become more than a policy issue — it’s a litmus test of Europe’s willingness to act. Germany, historically cautious, finds itself in a position where neutrality is no longer a viable option. And perhaps now, at this critical juncture, the country is making a choice that will define its role in Europe’s future.
