Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed support for providing Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, diverging from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cautious stance. Rutte emphasized the strategic importance of such military capabilities for Ukraine and stated he wouldn’t impose usage restrictions on the missiles. However, he clarified that the decision regarding what aid allies should supply to Ukraine ultimately lies beyond his jurisdiction.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously criticized Scholz for holding a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in November, which Zelenskyy said undermined efforts to isolate Moscow. He referred to the call as opening a “Pandora’s box.” Speaking on the 1,000th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine during an address to the European Parliament on November 19, Zelenskyy reiterated his disapproval of Scholz’s actions.
“While some European leaders seem preoccupied with elections or other interests at Ukraine’s expense, Putin remains focused on winning this war,” Zelenskyy remarked, issuing a veiled rebuke of Scholz. “He will not stop on his own.”













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