NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that he considers the sometimes harsh criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unjustified against the background of the German politician's refusal to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Reuters reports citing DPA, UNN reports.
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While Germany is a vital ally of Ukraine, its indecision to provide long-range Taurus cruise missiles is causing frustration in Kyiv, Reuters notes.
"I have often told Zelensky that he should stop criticizing Olaf Scholz because I think it is unfair," DPA quoted Rutte as saying in an interview on Monday.
Rutte also said that, unlike Scholz, he favors supplying Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles and would not impose restrictions on their use.
"In general, we know that such capabilities are very important for Ukraine," Rutte said, adding that it is not up to him to decide what exactly the allies should supply.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has repeatedly opposed the delivery of Taurus. Last week, he said that US President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments about the war in Ukraine reinforced his own steadfast refusal to supply Kyiv with cruise missiles.