At Munich, Zelenskyy Pushes for Taurus Missiles and Joint Drone Production with Germany.

Ukrainian President's Press Conference

According to UATV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a press conference in Munich on February 14, 2023, where he addressed the potential delivery of Taurus long-range cruise missiles and collaborative drone manufacturing with Germany. This appeal for advanced weaponry comes as Ukraine continues its defense against a full-scale invasion, and the decision on the missile transfer remains pending.

The conference was part of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, which ran from February 13 to 15, 2023, and brought together approximately 50 heads of state and government.

"We have not yet received a decision from the German side. I will be frank with you. I need to find a balance in the dialogue, to choose what exactly. I cannot choose everything. Of course, I would like to choose everything during a war, but I cannot do that. So I hope you understand why I can't. I have to choose something. I choose what I can get right now." - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Furthermore, the Ukrainian president shared his impressions of the joint German-Ukrainian drone production: "I visited this joint production of drones by Germany and Ukraine. Already, drones are at the front line—not all, of course, because they are producing a large package of drones. This is good." These remarks underscore the growing significance of Ukrainian-German military-industrial cooperation for Ukraine's war effort.

Strategic Partnership

The importance of this press conference extends beyond discussions of specific military supplies to highlight the deepening strategic partnership between Ukraine and Germany. Collaboration on drone manufacturing could become a crucial element in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly in a protracted conflict.

Simultaneously, the unresolved questions surrounding the Taurus missile transfer illustrate the complexities of diplomatic negotiations and the ongoing challenge of finding mutually acceptable security solutions among allies.