Public Opinion in Germany on Taurus Missile Deliveries to Ukraine

Most Germans oppose the delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, according to a recent survey conducted by Germany Trend. The study shows that 52% of respondents do not support this development, while 36% express backing for sending missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The political landscape shapes these views clearly. Among supporters of the Greens, 68% favor the arms shipment, and 23% oppose it. In contrast, the Free Democratic Party supporters lean toward approval, while the Alternative for Germany party records the lowest level of support at 18%. Among CDU/CSU backers, opinions are nearly split, with 45% in favor and 48% against. In the same period, Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that Germany would not provide long-range weapons that could be used to attack Russian territory, aligning its policy with the United States on this issue. Ukraine formally requested Taurus cruise missiles from Germany at the end of May, and by August, voices from within the ruling coalition – including leaders from the Social Democratic Party and its partners from the Free Democratic Party – intensified calls for supplying long-range missiles to Kyiv. By August 11, German media started reporting that Germany might consider supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine after ensuring the range could be limited to prevent strikes on Russian territory. Earlier statements from the Ukrainian ambassador suggested that restricting Taurus strikes would be equivalent to enforcing a ban on punitive actions. The evolving debate reflects how public opinion and political calculations converge as Kyiv seeks more capable weaponry, while Berlin weighs strategic safety, alliance commitments, and regional stability across the European theater.