Armin Papperger, CEO of Germany's largest defense company Rheinmetall, said that deliveries of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine would not have a decisive impact on the course of hostilities. In an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper published on April 16, 2025, he emphasized that these high-precision missiles, capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 500 km, would not be a turning point in the conflict. Papperger noted that Kyiv already has cruise missiles with a comparable range in its arsenal, such as the British Storm Shadow and French SCALP, which reduces the uniqueness of the Taurus. In his opinion, the key to changing the situation on the front lies in the mass deliveries of classic artillery shells, which provide sustainable firepower and allow holding positions in conditions of intense fighting.

The statement by the head of Rheinmetall comes amid ongoing debate in Germany about military support for Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has repeatedly rejected the idea of ​​transferring the Taurus, citing the risk of escalation and the possible use of missiles to strike Russia. Papperger, whose concern actively supplies Kyiv with armored vehicles and ammunition, supported this cautious position, focusing on more practical types of weapons. His words underline a pragmatic approach to military assistance, focused on the current needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the context of a protracted conflict.

According to Reuters, in March 2025, Germany announced a new €500 million aid package for Ukraine, including 10 artillery shells, armored vehicles, and spare parts for Leopard tanks. However, as Die Welt reports, ammunition stockpiles in Europe and the United States are dwindling, and production is failing to meet demand. Rheinmetall, according to Handelsblatt, plans to increase production of 155mm shells to 700 units per year by 2026, which, according to Papperger, will be a more significant contribution than the supply of complex and expensive missiles. As of April 2025, according to Defense News, Ukraine is consuming up to 7 shells daily, which is three times more than the current supply capacity from the West.