Pistorius: Germany Will Not Transfer Taurus Missiles to Ukraine

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in an interview with Bild that Germany will not transfer long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, as they are not needed in the current situation.

Pistorius noted that while there is minimal movement on the front line, the Russian army continues to suffer heavy losses. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces are increasingly striking targets inside Russia, including oil refineries and military logistics facilities. "The situation has never looked as good as it does now," the minister stated.

He stressed that financial support is more critical for Ukraine at the moment, referring to EU loans and a new funding fund totaling approximately 70 billion euros.

Regarding potential Russian threats to NATO, Pistorius assessed that by 2029 Vladimir Putin could be capable of risking a partial attack on NATO territory, but it is unclear whether he would actually take that step.

Meanwhile, Poland has announced that it will not transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine. The Polish Defense Ministry explained that the decision came after a previously discussed exchange of fighters for Ukrainian drones did not materialize—Ukraine initially agreed but later refused, so the aircraft will be scrapped.

Military analysts note that additional fighters would be useful for Ukraine, but the more critical issue remains pilot training. There is no independent confirmation of Pistorius's assessment that Ukraine does not need Taurus missiles, and the German government has not announced changes in its official policy on deliveries.