Putin warns Germany against missile supplies to Ukraine
- Vladimir Putin warned Germany against providing Ukraine with missiles, suggesting this would damage their bilateral relationship.
- He interprets the potential supply of Taurus cruise missiles as Germany's direct involvement in the conflict.
- Germany's Defence Minister announced that Berlin will not be sending weapons to Ukraine, despite appeals from Kyiv.
On June 19, 2025, in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to Germany regarding potential arms supplies to Ukraine. Putin specifically criticized the idea of Berlin providing Taurus cruise missiles, stating that such actions would indicate Germany's direct involvement in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized that this perceived escalation could lead to significant damage to the relationship between the two nations. Earlier in the month, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had stated that Germany would not be supplying weapons to Ukraine, despite Kyiv's ongoing requests for military support. This statement from Pistorius reflects Germany's cautious stance amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have sparked international concern about regional stability. The potential supply of advanced weaponry from Germany could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict, making the situation more complex and potentially leading to a broader confrontation involving NATO and other Western allies. As the war continues, the actions taken by Germany and its allies will be closely monitored, and their decisions may have lasting implications for European security and diplomatic relations with Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a contentious issue, unveiling significant geopolitical challenges that necessitate careful navigation by all parties involved.