The problem of blocked Taurus deliveries to Ukraine can be partially solved through a ring exchange between Germany and Great Britain.
This position was voiced by Austrian military expert and lecturer at the Austrian National Defence Academy, Gustav Gressel, in an interview with Ukrinform.
“The biggest problem with Taurus deliveries is that Merz, as a candidate for chancellor, promised it very loudly. From a Russian viewpoint it may look as if Russia, with its threats, has managed to sway Germany’s mood. This harms trust”
– Gustav Gressel
According to Gressel, Taurus could help Ukraine, but in terms of characteristics they are close to the Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which are already being delivered from the British-French side.
“Taurus is a cruise missile, and it would help Ukraine. But ultimately it is similar to Storm Shadow or SCALP”
– Gustav Gressel
The materials also mention that politicians in Germany must explain to citizens that aid to Ukraine is not charity – said a German deputy.
As reported earlier, former German Federal President Joachim Gauck sharply criticized the current Chancellor Friedrich Merz for continuing to block Taurus deliveries, calling it a mistake and a sign of an improper attitude toward the victims of aggression.
Prospects for the ring exchange and implications for arms deliveries
The expert emphasizes that such a mechanism could partly relieve pressure on Taurus deliveries while increasing Ukraine’s access to Storm Shadow, if the parties agree to an exchange instead of direct deliveries.
In the context of European defense, Taurus can serve as a complement to the main delivery programs, but the real effect depends on the political will of Germany and Great Britain and their alignment.
Ultimately, the ring exchange could become part of a broader strategy to support Ukraine, but it does not replace the decisions of individual allies. The key is to maintain unity among European partners and seek practical steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses.
“If Germany carries out a ring exchange with Great Britain, and Ukraine receives more Storm Shadow, that would also be beneficial”
– Gustav Gressel