Experts in defense call for the release of Western-made weapons for use.
Contrary to the Federal Chancellor's stance, defense specialists from the SPD and the Union oppose the constraints imposed on Kiev amidst its conflict with Russia, citing the detrimental effects these limitations have on their capabilities. They contend that the recent shelling of Kharkiv should prompt a reevaluation of NATO's tactics.
Pertaining to the debate surrounding the usage of Western weapons against Russia, politicians from the SPD and CDU are exerting more pressure on the German government. Andreas Schwarz, a prominent member of the SPD and in charge of defense budgets in the budget committee, told the "Rheinische Post" that Putin is shrewdly utilizing the restrictions placed on Kiev to deploy Western weapons. "In Kharkiv, the Russian army has been shelling the second-largest city in Ukraine without any hesitation as Ukraine lacks adequate air defense and its military is unable to defend themselves at the border," he asserted.
Schwarz proposed a shift in NATO strategy, highlighting the thoughts expressed by the organization's Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg. "Ukraine should be able to retaliate against positions on Russian territory from where it is being attacked," he urged. "This critical flaw in our strategy must be reassessed within the Western alliance since there are no legal barriers," he emphasized.
Schwarz' stand aligns with that of the Union faction's defense expert in the Bundestag, Johann Wadephul. "Ukraine is defending itself lawfully against Russian aggression and may also employ weapons on Russian soil," remarked the CDU politician. "The constraints on the use of weapons provided by us only benefit Russia and need to be rescinded immediately," he demanded. Wadephul additionally urged the Chancellor to facilitate the delivery of Taurus missiles.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed his decision not to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine on Friday. Schwarz, however, pointed out that the rationale behind their rejection was to avoid any possible escalation of the Ukrainian conflict into a war between Russia and NATO. Germany needs to be in control of the targets with a system like Taurus, he reiterated.
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In response to the Union parliamentary group and SPD defense specialists' call for the release of Western-made weapons, Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor, has maintained his opposition, citing potential escalation. Andreas Schwarz, a prominent SPD member, argues that the constraints on Ukraine's defense capabilities, like the inability to defend against Russian shelling in Kharkiv, necessitates a reevaluation of NATO's tactics and a shift in strategy, including the use of Taurus cruise missiles. Johanna Wadephul, the CDU's defense expert in the Bundestag, agrees, stating that Ukraine's right to defend itself against Russian aggression should not be limited by constraints on the use of weapons provided by Germany and other nations.
Source: www.ntv.de
