The State Duma called Merz's words about possible deliveries of Taurus to Kiev a provocation.

The words of the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz about Berlin's readiness to send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine in case of coordination with partners are a provocation and "adding oil to the fire." Alexey Didenko, head of the State Duma Committee on Regional Policy, told Izvestia on April 14.

On that day, Merz announced that Germany was ready to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine after consultations with European allies.

He noted that the decision is rather strange, given the efforts currently being made to resolve the conflict and de-escalate it.

"Against the background of what is happening, when there is a request for negotiations, for a cease—fire, for a truce, adding fuel to the fire is simply irresponsible. These are clearly provocative actions," Didenko said.

The MP stressed that the EU countries continue to act as they have acted, unlike the United States, which shows interest in resolving the Ukrainian crisis.

Missile staging: the CDU allowed the Taurus to be sent to Ukraine

But there are several factors that could prevent the new chancellor from taking such a step

On February 16, Alice Weidel, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and candidate for chancellor of Germany, warned Berlin against supplying Taurus to Kiev. According to her, the appropriate measures will directly involve Germany in the conflict.

The CDU leader, during a debate with the acting head of the Bundestag, Olaf Scholz, on February 9, supported the supply of Taurus missiles to Kiev. Scholz, in turn, called it unacceptable for a country to supply Ukraine with weapons that can be used to strike deep into Russia.