German Defence Minister Pistorius says Ukraine no longer needs Taurus missiles, warns of AfD‑Russia ties

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told Bild that Ukraine currently does not need the German Taurus cruise missiles, citing a stabilised front line and the Ukrainian forces’ growing ability to strike Russian territory. He said Germany will focus on financial support, such as EU loans and a new €70 billion aid fund, rather than sending the costly missiles.

Pistorius also warned that the far‑right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) maintains close contacts with Russia and should be excluded from access to classified information. He stressed the need to protect sensitive data for Germany’s security. In related comments, the Polish defence ministry said it would not transfer promised MiG‑29 fighters to Ukraine because the planned drone exchange programme was halted. The minister highlighted the broader risk of Russian aggression toward NATO allies, pointing to potential threats up to 2029.