Germany and several Western allies have officially lifted all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles inside Russian territory. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this decision on Monday in Berlin following a recent wave of intense Russian aerial attacks against Ukraine. This move allows Ukraine to use weapons supplied by the UK, France, the US, and Germany without limits on their range. Merz emphasized that Ukraine has the right to target Russian military infrastructure as a response to cross-border attacks.
This change marks a significant shift from the previous Western position, which avoided allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia due to fears of escalating the conflict. Until now, Ukraine’s allies were reluctant to permit the use of long-range Western weapons to avoid further escalation. However, after a deadly weekend where over twenty civilians, including children, were killed in missile and drone attacks, Western leaders agreed that Ukraine must be able to hit Russian launch sites and military bases to prevent future assaults.
Merz’s announcement contrasts with the approach of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who consistently refused to lift range restrictions on German weapons. While Merz supports a more aggressive policy, he did not confirm if Germany would supply Taurus long-range missiles, although he had supported the idea previously.
The United States had already lifted similar restrictions months earlier. In November 2024, President Joe Biden approved the use of ATACMS long-range missile systems inside Russia after extensive internal debate. The U.S. had withheld these weapons for two years due to concerns about escalation and limited stock. ATACMS missiles arrived in Ukraine in April 2024, pressured by both Ukrainian and American officials. Some Republican lawmakers now call for more sanctions and heavier military aid. Representatives and senators have urged the U.S. government to provide Ukraine with the tools to win the conflict.
Russia strongly condemned the policy change. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the removal of restrictions as a dangerous step that undermines diplomatic efforts. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that any foreign-backed attack on Russian soil could be viewed as a NATO attack and has warned of nuclear retaliation if Russia is hit by Western conventional missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for stronger international unity to apply pressure on Russia and end the violence. He plans to visit Berlin for further talks with German officials. Despite political tensions, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing both Putin and Zelensky, Western support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself appears firm.
