There is still no end to the war in Ukraine in sight. The country’s army needs more weapons, including Taurus cruise missiles. A decision on their delivery could be made next week.
The Ukrainian army is defending itself against the Russian invaders with all its might. But the current offensive is not going the way Western strategists would like. She’s making slow progress. The current goal: Crimea is to be cut off from the other occupied territories. Recently there has been criticism from the allies of the army’s tactics. Meanwhile, the governments in Washington and Berlin are delaying urgently needed arms deliveries. This primarily involves German Taurus cruise missiles, which have a range of around 500 kilometers. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock justify the hesitation with technical questions that still need to be clarified. In the ZDF talk show Maybrit Illner on Thursday evening, the guests dealt with the developments in the Ukraine war.
The Green Party co-chairman Omid Nouripour indicated that the urgent delivery of the Taurus cruise missiles could be decided soon. Next week, US President Joe Biden and Chancellor Scholz will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Weapons deliveries could also be discussed.
“Very well prepared action”
On Tuesday, Ukraine bombed the port of the city of Sevastopol, destroying two Russian warships. Military expert Gustav Gressel at Maybrit Illner speaks of a “well-prepared action”. In recent weeks, according to Gressel, Ukrainian special forces have attacked important Russian anti-aircraft positions with cruise missiles. According to Gressel, British Storm Shadows were probably used, very precise devices. The Ukrainian army also captured two Russian oil platforms and dismantled radar devices stationed there. This prevented Russia from being warned about the attack on Tuesday. “The wrecks of the warships are now blocking the only dry dock in Crimea that is militarily suitable for the Black Sea Fleet. This is hindering the repair options for Russian warships,” said Gressel. The port of Sevastopol can no longer be used permanently for military purposes. Russian naval operations may no longer be as effective.
This was an important stage victory for Ukraine. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar proudly explains: “Ukraine is in an extremely difficult situation. We have few fighters and even fewer weapons. We are actually inferior to the enemy. Nevertheless, we accepted the risk and launched the current offensive. And we are succeeding in retaking territory.”
CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen points out the current strategy of the Ukrainian army. She is increasing the pressure on Crimea. In doing so, she wants to have a negative impact on Russian domestic politics. “If Crimea is in danger of being lost, it is hoped that Russia and the Putin regime will be destabilized in order to reach a political solution.” Ukraine hopes this will bring about changes in Russia. “That is also the only way you can reach a peace solution. Because there will be no negotiations with Putin because he doesn’t want that.” If the Ukrainian offensive were not successful, it would prolong the war. “And I find it outrageous that we don’t give the Ukrainians everything we have for this path.”
“We’re not just talking about Ukraine”
The Ukrainian minister added: “We are not just talking about Ukraine. This is a war of eastern barbarians against Western civilization. All Western peoples must ask themselves the question of whether they want to live in a world in which one country has other countries destroyed. And I ask you: How are you supposed to negotiate with a country that doesn’t abide by any rules of the civilized world?”
That’s why the delivery of new weapons such as the German Taurus cruise missile is urgently needed, the guests at Illner agree. But Gustav Gressel mentions another point: “We must not forget to nourish the weapons systems that we have already delivered. These include ammunition, spare parts and other equipment. If we ramp up the industry and deliver what Ukraine needs, “So that you can see this in Moscow too, then perceptions are shifting there. But we’re not there yet.” This applies not only to Germany, but also to many other European countries that are entangled in political petty matters.