Scholz condemns Merz's ultimatum proposal to Russia over missile deliveries

In Germany on November 30, 2024, Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized opposition leader Friedrich Merz during a party conference in Berlin. Merz had suggested that Germany should send Russia an ultimatum concerning potential deliveries of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Scholz emphasized the risks involved in making threats to a nuclear power like Russia, cautioning against treating Germany's security lightly. This incident occurs against a backdrop of intense political debate in Germany, where Scholz has faced ongoing pressure from the opposition regarding his position on arms support for Ukraine, particularly the Taurus missiles, which have a significant range advantage compared to other Western weapons. Scholz's refusal to approve the missile transfers has resulted in criticism from both the opposition and within parts of the public, who are calling for stronger support for Ukraine as the war with Russia progresses. Merz had previously advocated for the delivery of the missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers and are perceived as crucial to Ukraine's defense strategy. The confrontation between Scholz and Merz highlights the growing tensions within German politics as elections draw nearer, potentially as early as February 2025, amidst the backdrop of the government coalition's collapse. Scholz's commitment to a cautious and continuous dialogue regarding peace negotiations also reflects broader concerns about the implications of military escalations, focusing on the need for a stable and measured approach to the current geopolitical crisis.