The key facts
- Klimov believes the Taurus statement was made «in defiance» of the talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11
- The deputy suggested, without evidence, that the initiative may have been initiated by London
- Zelensky explains the request by a shortage of American interceptor missiles and an interest in testing under real conditions
Statement on the eve of the trilateral meeting
Vladimir Zelensky has once again raised the issue of supplying German long-range Taurus missiles. Andrei Klimov, a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, in a conversation with Gazeta.Ru, suggested that the aim of this step is to disrupt the upcoming talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for November 10–11. «But the fact that this was done in defiance of the upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi — I personally have no doubts about that,» the deputy said, adding that, in his assessment, the main goal is to derail the diplomatic consultations.
Assumption about London's role
Klimov suggested that the initiative might have come from the United Kingdom, but stressed that he has no proof: «Something tells me that it is most likely London after all. But I have no evidence, and I haven't looked for any.» The deputy voiced this assumption as a personal assessment, not as a confirmed fact.
Kyiv's arguments and the context of the deal
Zelensky himself explained his interest in long-range weapons by a shortage of American interceptor missiles for air defense systems. According to him, the German missiles are needed by Ukraine to strike Russian launchers, and Kyiv expects that the use of Taurus will allow German manufacturers to assess the weapon's capabilities in real combat conditions.
Background of the supply issue
Earlier, Life.ru reported on Zelensky's desire to order Taurus missiles from Germany for testing: the Ukrainian leader called the possible deal beneficial for both countries. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously expressed doubts about the need to transfer such weapons to Kyiv. Thus, the new statement came amid continuing disagreements within Germany itself over the advisability of the supplies — and, in the assessment of the Russian parliamentarian, was timed to coincide with preparations for the talks in the UAE. It should be noted that the interpretation of Zelensky's motives belongs to Klimov and reflects the Russian side's position; the publication contains no confirmed information about the Ukrainian leader's actual goals.
