Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister, has supported the idea of the West to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles for self-defence, although Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes such a move, fearing an escalation of the war.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted on Monday that he will not loosen the rules for the use of German weapons in Ukraine's defensive fight against Russia, despite the pleas from Kiev. The government had made "a few decisions" regarding military support for Ukraine "that are very clear to me,

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed support for Ukraine’s request for long-range Taurus cruise missiles, putting herself at odds with Chancellor Olaf Scholz who has ruled out sending the weapons over fears it could trigger direct conflict with Russia.

I have always said that it [long-range weapons] plays an important role, especially in overcoming the mine belt in eastern Ukraine,” she said, adding that there is a disagreement within the coalition government on the issue,

Long-range weapons play an important role. Therefore, Kyiv must have the capability to use them for self-defense, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, in the Telegram post of Deutsche Welle.