Putin warns Germany that delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine would mean direct involvement in the war and damage bilateral relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Germany would become a party to the conflict if it supplies Taurus missiles to Ukraine, stressing that Ukrainians need German assistance to use them effectively. Putin believes such action would amount to a direct provocation of Russia and damage relations. Although Russia has made similar statements before, experts do not expect an attack against Germany or other NATO countries. Germany has so far refused to send the missiles, while continuing to offer other military support to Ukraine.