Germany's Scholz Alleges British, French Troops Helping Ukraine Fire Missiles
The Facts
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has this week sparked a diplomatic row after being called on to account for why his country will not supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles — long-range, precision-guided weapons that can strike targets as far as 310 miles (500 km) away.
Ukraine has long sought-after the weapons but, explaining his rationale for refusal, Scholz said they would require German soldiers to be stationed in Ukraine to assist with the programming. Thereby, he said, it would make Germany a participant in Ukraine's war against Russia.
The Spin
Narrative A
Sending Germany's Taurus missiles to Ukraine would necessitate the presence of German troops in the country. This would make Germany a direct participant in this war — a line that Berlin is not willing to cross. Even if Scholz's comments were wrong, the nation can't be held accountable for the decisions made by the UK and France to intensify involvement in this conflict.
Narrative B
The comments from Germany's Scholz on the presence of UK and French troops in Ukraine were not only factually wrong, but foolish. They give Russia a reason to escalate, as well as place diplomatic personnel and other staff in Ukraine in greater peril.
