Germany has postponed delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine due to fear of escalation.

Some German officials fear that this could bring Berlin closer to a direct confrontation with Russia, writes the WSJ. “German officials said Germany’s coalition government had approved the supply of the Taurus, but Scholz held back the move due to concerns that German personnel would have to travel to Ukraine to help maintain the weapons,” the newspaper said.

According to the sources, Scholz believes that moving German military personnel into the war zone will require a parliamentary vote. Scholz also worries that such a move could allegedly “draw Germany deeper into the conflict”.

The chancellor’s spokesman said there is no immediate plan for the supply of Taurus missiles. It is noted that similar debates preceded Germany’s decision to send German-made tanks to Ukraine. Scholz agreed to do so only after persuading President Joe Biden to send in American tanks.