Politics A German chancellor candidate and the Estonian Prime Minister arrive in Kyiv; Merz supports providing the Taurus to Ukraine. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

The German chancellor candidate from the CDU/CSU, Friedrich Merz, said during a meeting with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv that he supports the provision of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. The primary opponent of incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz states that he and his party understand Ukraine’s need to deliver long-range strikes on military facilities in Russian Federation territory. In turn, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and his Estonian counterpart, Kristen Michal, signed a joint statement in Kyiv that defines the main directions for further cooperation between the countries. The document emphasizes strengthening strategic partnerships, unity in the fight against Russian aggression, and developing bilateral relations in security and economy. Estonia supports the strengthening of sanctions against Russia, the Ukrainian Victory Plan, and Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. Michal stressed that joining NATO is Ukraine’s only reliable mechanism for security guarantees. Shmyhal also recognized Estonian defense support that exceeds €540M.