@Lash,
Lash wrote: A statement from Scholz portrays him as unwilling to risk escalation with Russia.
a) Scholz is (still) the chancellor of a minority government,
b) Before the early parliamentary elections on 23 February, the Bundestag will vote on a motion to supply Taurus to Ukraine.
c) The majority of parliamentarians appear to be in favour of this, as do the majority of citizens. However, it is not parliament that decides on arms deliveries, but the so-called Federal Security Council, a secret cabinet committee chaired by the Federal Chancellor.