Scholz was criticized in Britain and Germany for his statement that British soldiers are helping to launch long-range Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine. This is stated in an article by The Telegraph.

The publication quotes Olaf Scholz as saying that he would not supply Taurus, the Berlin equivalent of Storm Shadow, because such a step would involve Germany into a war with Russia. The Chancellor also said that Great Britain and France (which provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, respectively) helped the Ukrainian Armed Forces to target their munitions.

"This is a blatant misuse of intelligence, deliberately designed to divert attention from Germany's reluctance to arm Ukraine with its own long-range missile system. This will undoubtedly be used by Russia to climb the escalator ladder," said Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the House of Commons Defense Committee.

Scholz was also criticized by German opposition deputies.

"The chancellor's statement about the alleged participation of France and the UK in the operation of long-range cruise missiles used in Ukraine is completely irresponsible," said Norbert Rottgen, a senior member of the former ruling CDU party.

The Telegraph's sources report that Scholz's statements "have raised concerns about the safety of diplomats and other personnel" stationed in Ukraine, as they "increased the threat of potential Russian foreign intelligence operations on British soil."

In turn, a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense responded to Scholz's statement: "Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow and its targeting processes are a matter for the Armed Forces of Ukraine."