Russia has escalated tensions with NATO by threatening strikes on German territory if Ukraine uses German-supplied Taurus missiles against Russian targets. Andrey Kartapolov, head of Russia’s State Duma Defense Committee, warned that Russia would target missile launch sites, production facilities, and logistics hubs in Germany, framing such support as direct participation in the war. This raises the risk of triggering NATO’s Article 5 collective defense clause, potentially leading to a broader conflict (Source: State Duma statements, Western intelligence assessments).
Germany has pledged €5.2 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including support for long-range missile production, but has avoided confirming Taurus deliveries to maintain strategic ambiguity. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Ukraine could use Western weapons without range restrictions, though Taurus deployment would require extensive training. Meanwhile, Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have accused Germany of escalating the conflict, with implied nuclear threats (Source: German government reports, Kremlin statements).
The standoff reflects deepening divisions, with Ukraine pushing for long-range strike capabilities and Russia warning of severe consequences. Western nations, including the U.S., UK, and France, have already lifted restrictions on their weapons for Ukraine, signaling unified support. The situation remains volatile, with any further escalation risking direct NATO-Russia confrontation (Source: NATO briefings, international media).