Latest news with #OlafScholz
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Germany tells Ukraine ‘no Taurus missiles'
Germany will not supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems nor long-range Taurus missiles, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has told the Financial Times. He explained that Berlin must prioritize its own security, as its remaining Patriot inventory is too limited. In an interview released on Sunday, Pistorius said Berlin has already sent three of its own Patriot systems to Kiev, out of the 12 it once had. 'We only have six left in Germany,' Pistorius stated, noting that another two are currently in Poland, and at least one is undergoing maintenance or used for training. 'That's really too few, especially considering the NATO capability goals we have to meet. We definitely can't give any more.' Pistorius said Berlin is in talks with Washington to buy two Patriot systems from US stocks for delivery to Kiev. US President Donald Trump confirmed last week that he intends to authorize the sale. The minister called on German weapons manufacturers to accelerate production under the broader REarmEurope initiative, in order to deter what Berlin calls Russian aggression – claims that Moscow has rejected as unfounded. He also reaffirmed that Germany would not deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite renewed requests from Kiev. With a range of up to 500km, they could reach targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow. Berlin has resisted supplying Taurus system for months. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly blocked the transfer, citing the risk of escalation. His successor, Friedrich Merz, has since said the issue remains open and confirmed that Germany is helping Ukraine develop its own long-range weapons under a bilateral agreement. Merz added that Kiev would face no restrictions on how they are used. Moscow has warned that supplying Taurus missiles would make Germany a direct participant in the conflict. Russia has denounced Western weapons deliveries to Ukraine, saying they only prolong the hostilities and increase the risk of a wider war. Officials in Moscow have also stressed that Russia has no plans to attack European countries, describing Western warnings as scare tactics to justify increased military budgets.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
EU summons Chinese ambassador over laser incident involving German aircraft
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: The flags of Germany, China and the European Union are seen ahead of a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, Germany, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo BRUSSELS - The European Union has summoned the Chinese ambassador following an incident in which China's military allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU security mission in the Red Sea. China has denied the accusation. According to Germany, a Chinese warship used a laser to target a German patrol aircraft taking part in Operation ASPIDES, the EU-led mission tasked with protecting commercial vessels from Houthi rebel attacks. The incident reportedly occurred in early July during a routine flight, with no prior warning or communication from the Chinese vessel. "The Chinese military's use of a laser to target a German aircraft patrolling with EU Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable," said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy. "This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft's mission." While German officials have reported multiple encounters with the same Chinese warship in the region, Beijing has rejected the claim, saying there is no evidence of hostile action. China has previously denied accusations of firing or pointing lasers at U.S. planes. Incidents involving a European NATO member and China are more unusual. REUTERS
Free Malaysia Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Germany, UK to sign mutual assistance defence pact
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former German chancellor Olaf Scholz made a joint declaration on the deal in August. (EPA Images pic) BERLIN : Germany and Britain will sign a defence treaty which includes a mutual assistance clause in the event of a threat to either country on July 17, the Politico news outlet reported today. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former German chancellor Olaf Scholz had made a joint declaration in August, promising closer cooperation on issues from trade to security. The broad agreement is being finalised, according to Politico, and a key area is defence. It will include a section stating that any strategic threat to one country would represent a threat to the other and the agreement is expected to be signed on July 17, it reported, citing two London-based officials. Although both countries are committed to Nato, the defence agreement highlights a shift among European states, including Germany under chancellor Friedrich Merz, to work more closely together and rely less on the US under President Donald Trump. Neither the German defence ministry nor the chancellor's office was immediately available for comment.
Observer
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Germany, UK to sign mutual defence pact
BERLIN: Germany and Britain will on July 17 sign a defence treaty that includes a mutual assistance clause in the event of a threat to either country, the Politico news outlet reported on Wednesday. The report came almost a year after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a joint declaration promising closer cooperation on issues from trade to security. That broad agreement is now being finalised, according to Politico, and a key area is defence. It will include a section stating that any strategic threat to one country would represent a threat to the other and the accord is expected to be signed on July 17, it reported, citing two London-based officials. Although both countries are committed to Nato, the defence agreement highlights a shift among European states, including Germany under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to work more closely together and rely less on the US under President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for the German defence ministry said on Wednesday that he had no new developments to impart when asked about the Politico report at a government press conference in Berlin. — Reuters
Reuters
02-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Germany, UK to sign mutual assistance defence pact, reports Politico
BERLIN, July 2 (Reuters) - Germany and Britain will on July 17 sign a defence treaty that includes a mutual assistance clause in the event of a threat to either country, the Politico news outlet reported on Wednesday. The report came almost a year after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a joint declaration promising closer cooperation on issues from trade to security. That broad agreement is now being finalised, according to Politico, and a key area is defence. It will include a section stating that any strategic threat to one country would represent a threat to the other and the accord is expected to be signed on July 17, it reported, citing two London-based officials. Although both countries are committed to NATO, the defence agreement highlights a shift among European states, including Germany under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to work more closely together and rely less on the U.S. under President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for the German defence ministry said on Wednesday that he had no new developments to impart when asked about the Politico report at a government press conference in Berlin. Germany and Britain launched negotiations in August 2024 on a bilateral treaty covering a broad range of areas, from defence and security cooperation, to labour and economic growth. "We are in the final stages of finalising the treaty," a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said at the same press conference, adding that the German cabinet would sign off on it before the end of July. Britain's government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
