German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his unwillingness to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

As reported by Tagesschau, the chancellor considers it unacceptable to supply such a weapon system, "which can only be used effectively if they involve German soldiers."

He said  in a speech in the Bundestag this was unacceptable even if the German soldiers were outside Ukraine.

"This is a line I do not want to cross as chancellor," Scholz added.

Bloomberg reported that partners in the German government coalition were trying to persuade Scholz to change his position on the Taurus.

On Thursday, German lawmakers are due to consider another proposal from the CDU/CSU that requires Scholz to immediately send the Taurus to Ukraine.

Earlier, Scholz rejected the idea of swapping missiles with the UK so that Ukraine could get more long-range weapons.