The Russian Foreign Ministry called any possible strikes by Taurus Germany's interference in the conflict.

The leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, needs to understand that a hypothetical attack by Taurus missiles on any Russian targets would be regarded as Germany's direct involvement in the conflict on the side of Ukraine. This was announced on April 17 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

"You know, I think it would be useful for the CDU leader to understand the following. Since it is impossible to fire these cruise missiles without the direct help of the Bundeswehr military, they will strike any Russian objects of critical transport infrastructure... It will be regarded as Germany's direct participation in the fighting on the side of the Kiev regime, with all the ensuing consequences for Germany," Zakharova said.

She also said that Merz had previously designated the Crimean Bridge as the target for the attack. Zakharova called this statement insane. In her opinion, this is immoral, as such actions are associated with terrorist logic.

Zakharova believes that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are fiercely attacking citizens and infrastructure, as they are in distress.

"All the options with some kind of "counterattacks" were used and led to the mass deaths of Ukrainian citizens. Forcibly mobilized by [President Vladimir] Zelensky into this meat grinder. And against this background, one of the main sponsors, a representative of Germany, comes out," Zakharova said.

She also drew attention to the Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters who were captured by the Russian Armed Forces. Zakharova stressed that Russian military personnel treat and feed the surrendered Ukrainians. The prisoners of war themselves say that they were treated very badly in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Zakharova added that "the side of the Kiev regime" has become an instrument of Western manipulation.

Friedrich dvoliky: the future German Chancellor wants to supply Kiev with Taurus missiles

Merz's decision is not supported by his junior coalition partners.

On April 17, the Bundestag announced an increase in skepticism in Germany regarding the shipment of Taurus to Ukraine. Earlier, on April 14, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), announced his readiness to transfer Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine in coordination with European partners.