Germany’s refusal to deliver Taurus missiles during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s May 28 visit has reignited criticism over the West’s slow military support for Ukraine. Despite a €5 billion aid pledge, Kyiv remains frustrated by repeated delays in critical weapon systems that it says embolden Russia and cost lives.

Zelensky’s high-stakes meeting with new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ended without Berlin greenlighting the long-sought Taurus long-range cruise missiles. Instead, Germany pledged a €5 billion support package and assistance in co-producing simpler long-range systems with Ukraine. While these weapons will be easier to operate, they lack the precision and deep-penetration capabilities of the Taurus, which Ukrainian officials say are essential for targets like the Crimean Bridge.

Delays and Missed Opportunities

The refusal is part of a broader trend. The article recounts how delays in sending key systems—such as F-16s, Leopard 2 and Challenger 2 tanks, M1 Abrams, and Patriot air defenses—were driven by Western fears of escalation. Each of these assets was ultimately delivered, but often more than a year after initial requests. “Why so much hesitation, if in the end they give in anyway?” the author asks.

Western governments, it argues, often prioritize diplomatic caution over battlefield necessity. This lag time is strategically exploited by Russia, which uses negotiations as a delaying tactic to regroup and prepare offensives, including the latest troop build-up near Sumy.

Strategic and Symbolic Costs

Taurus missiles are seen not just as military assets, but as symbols of Western resolve. Their absence signals continued hesitation, undermining Ukraine’s leverage and deterrence. The article points out that despite recent deliveries and pledges, “gestures like promising Ukraine EU membership by 2030” offer little real-time impact on the battlefield.

Trump’s rhetoric is also critiqued. His past comments, such as expressing regret over Russia’s G8 expulsion, are viewed as gifts to Moscow. While President Biden has maintained steady support, 20% of Ukraine remains under Russian occupation.

Ukraine’s Military and Political Resilience

The piece concludes with a powerful reminder: Ukraine is not just a nation in crisis, but a capable partner. Its armed forces have proven adaptable, its drone development is accelerating, and its state institutions have remained functional under fire. Europe’s hesitation, it argues, is more than just a delay—it is a strategic error.

“Not every show of strength leads to escalation,” the author writes, “but every delay invites it.”