New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during his visit to Kyiv on 10 May, announced that Germany would no longer publish detailed information on military aid to Ukraine. Prior to taking office, Merz had supported supplying Taurus missiles—an idea firmly rejected by the previous government under Olaf Scholz, who feared “escalation.”

Speaking to German broadcasters RTL and n-tv, Merz stated,

“Under my leadership, the debate about arms deliveries, calibers, weapons systems and so on will be taken out of the public eye,” he said, per Reuters.

Merz, who took office on 6 May, stated that while public interest in the topic was legitimate, the need for operational security now outweighs transparency.

“We support Ukraine militarily to the extent that we can and bear responsibility for it,” he said, according to TVP. “And we are doing this in order to put an end to this war.”

Sources familiar with the matter earlier told Reuters that Germany intended to limit public information on weapons deliveries to Ukraine to create “strategic ambiguity” and prevent Russia from gaining a tactical advantage.

The last such update, in April, included items such as air defense systems, drones, and ammunition.

During his Kyiv appearance, Merz addressed growing attention around the potential supply of Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. He refused to confirm or deny whether these missiles would be delivered, citing the new policy.

Merz emphasized that Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine remains firm. He pledged continued financial and military aid and urged other European countries to join Germany in increasing assistance.

“Germany will continue to expand its financial support. I am counting on you (…) to do the same with us,” Merz said, addressing other European leaders in Kyiv.