German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the refusal of the German government to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles Taurus, European Pravda said with reference to Tagesspiegel.

"If individual partners do this [supply long-range missiles], this is their sovereign decision. We do not intend to change our position," Pistorius said on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius.

He reportedly said that he sees no reason to criticize Germany, since his country, together with the United States, provides Ukraine with the most assistance. "Without us, the air defense of Ukraine would have been impossible at all," Pistorius added.

As reported, at the end of May, Ukraine turned to Germany with a request for the supply of Taurus cruise missiles with a range of up to 500 km. Earlier in Vilnius, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of missiles to Ukraine, which will allow striking deep behind enemy lines.