German Defense Minister Pistorius Goes to Kiev, Announces That Berlin Will NOT Send Taurus Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine

Boris Pistorius, Germany’s defense minister, and President Volodymyr Zelensky during a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 12, 2025. (Andrew Kravchenko / Bloomberg)

| Published June 13, 2025

The German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited the Ukrainian capital for military aid talks. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Russians on Russia Day. DW has the latest.

Germany is reinforcing its military commitment to Ukraine with a major delivery of IRIS-T air defense systems, even as it draws a firm line by refusing to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles. During a high-profile visit to Kyiv on June 12, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pledged expanded support amid Russia’s continued air and drone attacks, positioning Germany as a key European defense partner while navigating political limits on offensive weaponry.

🇩🇪 Germany Boosts Air Defense Support to Ukraine; Backs Away from Taurus Missiles

By [Your News Agency] – June 12, 2025

In a decisive show of solidarity, Germany is ramping up military aid to Ukraine, centering on air defense systems—a strategic shift marked by two major developments:

1. Delivery of IRIS‑T Air Defense Systems

• Germany plans to deliver additional IRIS‑T SLM medium-range air defense units to Ukraine starting in 2025. These systems, designed to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles up to around 40 km, form part of Berlin’s €1.3 billion aid package, which also includes drones, artillery shells, demining vehicles, and satellite communications gear.

• Ukraine has already received multiple IRIS‑T systems—the first went to Ukrainian forces ahead of Germany’s own inventory—and German defense industry pledges to increase output to at least eight systems in 2025, with missile production ramping up to 400–500 annually.

• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that IRIS‑T significantly enhances Ukraine’s ability to protect troops and cities from Russian air raids .

• During his fifth visit to Kyiv on June 12, 2025, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated clearly that Germany will not provide Taurus cruise missiles—weapons capable of striking targets over 300 miles away—despite Kyiv’s repeated requests.

• Pistorius confirmed Germany’s military aid to Ukraine has reached €7 billion in 2025, with an additional €1.9 billion awaiting Bundestag approval. If passed, total aid this year would hit €9 billion, setting a national record.

🧭 Strategic Context & Significance

• The enhanced IRIS‑T delivery aligns with Europe’s growing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses amid escalating Russian airstrikes and drone barrages. Germany co-leads the Ramstein air-defense initiative, urging allies to supplement Patriot systems with alternatives.

• Investing in the IRIS‑T program supports both Ukraine’s defense and Germany’s defense-industrial capacity—boosting European military autonomy post-“Zeitenwende”, Germany’s historic pivot to increased defense spending.

⚖️ What This Means

🔮 Looking Ahead

• Bundestag Vote: The decision on the additional €1.9 billion aid package is pending parliamentary approval.

• Ukraine’s Request: Kyiv is still pressing allies for long-range strike capabilities; Germany’s rejection of Taurus missiles could affect international consensus.

• Production & Delivery: Monitoring industrial output of IRIS‑T systems and missile stockpiles will be key to Ukraine’s defense resilience.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Germany’s latest military aid package to Ukraine:

✅ Advantages

1. Enhanced Air Defense Capability

• The IRIS-T systems provide high-precision interception of missiles, aircraft, and drones—vital for protecting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

2. Reliable NATO Support

• Signals strong German-Ukrainian military cooperation, reinforcing Germany’s role as a committed NATO ally.

3. Boost to European Defense Industry

• Increased production of IRIS-T systems and munitions supports European defense autonomy and manufacturing.

4. Non-Escalatory Aid

• Air defense is seen as defensive rather than escalatory, helping Germany maintain support from cautious allies and domestic voters.

❌ Disadvantages

1. Limited Strategic Strike Capability

• By refusing Taurus missiles, Germany denies Ukraine the ability to hit long-range, high-value Russian military targets deep behind the front lines.

2. Political Frustration in Kyiv

• The repeated rejection of Taurus missiles may strain diplomatic goodwill between Berlin and Kyiv.

3. Delayed Delivery Risks

• Additional funding for aid must still pass Germany’s Bundestag, potentially delaying crucial defense supplies.

4. Mixed Signal to Moscow

• Providing defensive aid while withholding offensive weapons may embolden Russia to escalate, interpreting it as hesitation.

Conclusion:

Germany’s renewed military support to Ukraine—centered on advanced IRIS-T air defense systems—demonstrates a firm commitment to defending Ukrainian skies amid relentless Russian aerial attacks. However, by drawing a line at supplying Taurus cruise missiles, Berlin balances its strategic support with political caution. As Ukraine continues its plea for long-range capabilities, Germany’s approach highlights the ongoing tension between bolstering defense and avoiding escalation, shaping the broader landscape of Western aid in the war.

SOURCES: THE KYIV INDEPENDENT – Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles

THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – German Defense Minister Pistorius Goes to Kiev, Announces That Berlin Will NOT Send Taurus Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine

REUTERS – German defence minister: not considering sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine

DW – Ukraine: Germany’s Pistorius pledges military aid in Kyiv