The Bundestag did not support the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine or an increase in aid
The German Bundestag rejected an initiative by the “Alliance ’90/The Greens” parliamentary faction that called for the immediate transfer of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, an increase in military and humanitarian aid, and the launch of additional production of Patriot PAC-2 interceptor missiles.
Seventy-nine members of parliament voted in favor of the corresponding draft resolution, “End Russia’s War Against Ukraine — Strengthen Ukraine Immediately in Military and Humanitarian Terms,” while 510 voted against it, and one parliamentarian abstained.
In presenting the document, Robin Wagener, chair of the German-Ukrainian Parliamentary Group, stated that Russia is already preparing new large-scale attacks and that Berlin must act more decisively.
“While you are deciding whether to support our draft resolution, Russia is preparing for the next wave of attacks—right at this very moment,” the lawmaker emphasized.
According to Wagener, during one of the most recent massive Russian strikes, none of the 29 ballistic missiles were intercepted due to a shortage of missiles for air defense systems, which is why Ukraine needs additional supplies.
He also criticized the federal government’s position on the transfer of Taurus missiles and the fight against Russia’s shadow fleet.
“Once again, there’s a lack of resolve, once again, there’s procrastination! And this indecision is Putin’s strategic advantage. Whether it’s the shadow fleet or the Taurus missiles—this indecision must stop. Finally, start taking action!” Wagner declared.
The Greens’ document also called for strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, to expand Ukraine’s capabilities to strike military targets on Russian territory, to increase humanitarian and energy aid, to support the protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and to implement tougher measures against the Russian shadow fleet.
At the same time, representatives of the governing CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups did not support the draft, although they reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine.
MP Knut Abraham of the CDU/CSU noted that Taurus missiles could be one tool for providing assistance, but the decision to transfer them must remain part of the government’s strategy.
His colleague Tobias Winkler emphasized that the Greens’ document contains “many well-founded demands,” but does not reflect the actual scale of Germany’s aid to Ukraine.
“In fact, the opposite is true. The federal government is taking on a leadership role as Ukraine’s strongest supporter and a driving force in ensuring that our partners also take on more responsibility,” Winkler said.
Johannes Schraps, a representative of the SocialDemocratic Party of Germany, Johannes Schraps, emphasized that support for Ukraine must remain military, humanitarian, financial, and political in the long term and is already provided for in the draft federal budget for 2027.
During the debate, representatives of the far-right party “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) spoke out against further aid to Kyiv. Member of Parliament Markus Fronmaier stated:
“Enough with the tribute to Kyiv! This is money that we need here in Germany.”
In response, SPD lawmaker Ralf Stegner accused the AfD of justifying Russian aggression.
“You are known for your historical revisionism. You have not a shred of empathy for the people who are dying as a result of this war of aggression,” he said, calling the party “a disgrace to Germany.”
Earlier, Germany announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, which includes a three-digit number of air-to-air missiles and additional funding for air defense. Berlin will also continue to supply air defense systems, missiles, and drones as part of existing support programs.
The Danish government has decided to promptly adjust the structure of its defense aid and provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with an additional 15,000 long-range artillery rounds. This was reported by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
