The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to Germany, stating that the use of Taurus cruise missiles to strike Russia's critical infrastructure would be seen as Berlin's direct participation in the conflict on the side of Ukraine. The statement, published on April 17, 2025, was a reaction to recent statements by CDU/CSU leader and likely future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested the possibility of supplying these long-range missiles to Kyiv, subject to agreement with European partners. Moscow stressed that such actions would make Germany an active participant in the hostilities, which is fraught with serious consequences for bilateral relations and regional security.

The Taurus missiles, which can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 km, are considered by Ukraine as a means of striking strategic targets, including warehouses, command posts and, potentially, infrastructure on Russian territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that such steps not only undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement, but also confirm the direct involvement of NATO countries in the conflict. Russian authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the supply of Western weapons to Kyiv is "playing with fire", and any shipments of weapons become a legitimate target for the Russian Armed Forces. The Foreign Ministry's statement increases tensions in relations with Germany, which has so far refrained from transferring the Taurus, fearing escalation.

According to Reuters, the discussion about the Taurus delivery intensified after Merz, speaking on ARD, said that Germany should join countries already supplying long-range missiles, such as the UK (Storm Shadow) and France (SCALP). However, according to The Wall Street Journal, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that Merz's final decision could change after receiving access to classified data. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously refused to transfer the Taurus, according to the BBC, citing the risk of strikes on Moscow and direct NATO involvement in the conflict.

The Foreign Ministry did not specify what specific measures Russia intends to take, but the US, France and Great Britain have previously transferred their missiles to Ukraine.