Stockholm Center analyst speculates on Ukraine's future with Taurus: What lies ahead?

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"I'm afraid that as long as Scholz remains chancellor, there will most likely be no direct delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Perhaps there will be an exchange, that is, the UK can get these missiles and then give its Storm Shadow to Ukraine. Unfortunately, Scholz has gone so far with his statements on Taurus that he is unlikely to change his position in the other direction. With Scholz, there is only one option, that some other country can supply Taurus. South Korea has these missiles, and could theoretically give them to Ukraine or in an exchange," Umland suggested. 

The analyst at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies also added that tomorrow, March 15, an interesting meeting between Macron, Tusk and Scholz will take place in Berlin.

"Because Macron adopted a pro-Ukrainian line and started talking about the possibility of NATO troops on the territory of Ukraine. This is a taboo subject in German politics. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this discussion," Umland said. 

• At the Munich Security Conference on February 17, Scholz said that the "right moment" is needed to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles.

• At the end of February, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed the supply of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as he believed it could draw his country into a war with Russia.

• On February 9, the UK offered to mediate the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

• German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock believes circular arms exchange with Taurus missiles is a good idea.

• The German Chancellor stated that he did not want to create false expectations regarding Taurus missiles, so he clearly and specifically reaffirmed his opposition to the possibility of transferring this type of weapon to Ukraine.

• On March 15, French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to ease tensions over Ukraine. The meeting will be joined by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.