Zelensky's Berlin Visit: A Turning Point in Military Support for Ukraine

In a pivotal moment for German-Ukrainian relations, President Zelensky will travel to Berlin to discuss much-needed military aid and the Taurus cruise missile.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is set to visit Berlin on Wednesday, marking his first trip to Germany since Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inauguration earlier this month. This visit comes at a crucial juncture in the partnership between the two nations, particularly as concerns grow about the sustainability of U.S. support for Ukraine. Merz has emerged as a prominent advocate for Ukraine, diverging from the more hesitant approach of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, despite facing internal coalition challenges regarding the extension of German military assistance.

Following Russia's invasion in February 2022, the relationship has seen ups and downs. It took more than a year for Scholz to invite Zelensky to Berlin, and since then, Zelensky’s visit this week will mark his third engagement with Merz. One critical topic on the agenda is the Taurus cruise missile—a sophisticated armament jointly developed by Germany and Sweden that offers enhanced striking capabilities deep within Russian territory.

The Taurus missile, known for its size, advanced navigation technology, and long range of 310 miles, represents a significant upgrade over Ukraine's current arsenal. It is capable of targeting key infrastructure, such as bridges linking Crimea to mainland Russia, amplifying Ukraine’s offensive potential. With countries like Britain and France already supplying their versions of cruise missiles, Zelensky is keenly focused on acquiring the Taurus, which remains high on his priorities list for military support.