### Chancellor Merz Faces Internal Criticism Over Ukraine Missile Aid Ambiguity

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent attempt to project a tough stance amidst Russia's ongoing aggression toward Ukraine has met with significant backlash, primarily due to confusion over Germany's commitment to providing Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles.

Chancellor Merz aimed to use Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin as an opportunity to demonstrate resolve in the face of the escalating conflict. However, his comments regarding the potential supply of Taurus missiles—capable of striking targets deep within Russian territory—have sparked controversy within his own coalition. This issue is particularly sensitive given that the previous government opted against such a move to avoid provoking Russia, which is nuclear-armed.

Senior conservative parliamentarian Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), publicly criticized the chancellor for his inconsistent statements. Kiesewetter expressed disappointment in a social media post, highlighting the lack of unity within the coalition and calling for a more decisive response to Russia's escalations. He emphasized that the ambiguity in Germany's stance weakens Europe’s overall position.

The controversy began on Monday when Chancellor Merz suggested during a public statement that Germany and its allies, including the UK, France, and the USA, had removed range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. This seemed to imply a readiness to supply the Taurus missiles. However, Merz appeared to retract this the following day, clarifying that his comments were related to Ukraine's right to use received weapons against targets on Russian soil.

Adding to the confusion, Finance Minister and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil refuted any change in Germany's policy concerning long-range missiles, maintaining that the stance of the previous government remained in place. This discrepancy has led to concerns about a possible rift within the coalition partners over the issue.

President Zelenskyy has long requested Taurus missiles from Germany, which have a range of over 500 kilometers and carry a substantial warhead. While Chancellor Merz has pledged to support Ukraine militarily, it is still uncertain whether Germany will provide these specific weapons during Zelenskyy's current visit.

In his post, Kiesewetter argued that deploying Taurus missiles could significantly bolster Ukraine's defense and protect civilians if delivered in sufficient numbers. He underscored the urgency of a robust and credible response to Russia’s aggression, advocating that an effective military aid package is essential now more than ever.