Between Strategy and Concern: The Missile Issue in the Ukraine Conflict

The debate over the delivery of American ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers to Ukraine continues to inflame political sentiments. The German Chancellor is exercising restraint – but this is by no means a sign of weakness or indecision. Tactical motives are at the forefront of this strategy, which is dedicated with great care to the complex security structure in Eastern Europe. At its core, it's about the assumption that Russia will not be content with a defeat in Ukraine but might aim to target additional states. An escalation in arms deliveries and an increased presence of NATO troops could, in this scenario, be preventive measures to curb Moscow's ambitions. Military experts predominantly support this strategy and often describe skeptics of this viewpoint as naive. However, the pressing question remains whether military reinforcement is indeed the right response to the potential threat. In this context, calls for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict away from the battlegrounds are growing louder – an option that is gaining significance in order to not fuel endless confrontations and pave the way for lasting peace.