“We have to do it”
Gauck takes Scholz to task about Taurus
January 7, 2024, 2:41 a.m
Former Federal President Gauck fears that the federal government’s hesitant arms delivery strategy is harming not only Ukraine, but the entire free world. He speaks very directly to Chancellor Scholz’s conscience.
Former Federal President Joachim Gauck has accused the federal government of being hesitant about arms deliveries to Ukraine. “In view of the grueling trench warfare and the heinous air strikes on the Ukrainian civilian population, I look at our actions with concern and ask myself whether our support is enough,” he told “Bild am Sonntag”. In response to a question about Ukraine’s requested delivery of German Taurus cruise missiles, Gauck replied: “I don’t know anything about military matters, but I have spoken to people who have the necessary military knowledge. And after these conversations, I can no longer understand “We are hesitant to supply this weapon and additional ammunition.”
The Taurus is one of the Air Force’s most modern missiles. The weapons find their target even from great heights and distances and can destroy bunkers, for example. At the beginning of October, Chancellor Olaf Scholz decided not to deliver any Taurus cruise missiles for the time being. The fear behind this was that Russian territory could also be hit by the precision weapons with a range of 500 kilometers.
“No ifs and buts”
Gauck said there is no international law ban on supporting an attacked victim with weapons. “That’s why we’re allowed to do this. And we have to do it – with everything we have at our disposal. No ifs or buts. Because a Russian victory would also threaten the security of other European states in the medium term.”
Gauck particularly criticized the Social Democratic Chancellor Scholz. “The Chancellor has to ask himself again and again whether he is not falling short of his stated claim of doing everything to ensure that Russia does not achieve a peace victory,” said the former Federal President. “Irritation arises when the government’s hesitation not only reduces Ukraine’s chances, but also increases the threat to the free world.”