Silke Mayr Germany and its main partners have lifted all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles targeting Russian forces. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the policy change on Monday in Berlin, following intense Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.
“For the first time, Ukraine can use weapons from Britain, France, Germany, or the United States without range limits,” Merz said during a European forum. “This means Ukraine can now directly hit Russian military sites to defend itself.”
This move marks a major shift in Western policy. Until now, Ukraine’s allies avoided allowing strikes on Russian soil. But the recent heavy Russian bombardment, which killed over twenty civilians including children, forced a rethink. The attacks were the strongest since the war began, raising urgent calls in Kyiv for more military aid.
Merz emphasized that Ukraine’s right to strike Russian targets is necessary to stop aggression and protect its people. This new stance breaks with the approach of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had blocked German weapons from being used inside Russia. Merz, just weeks into office, is adopting a tougher position.
The German leader did not say if Germany will send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, though he had previously supported this idea before becoming chancellor.
The United States had already removed similar restrictions in November 2024. Then-President Joe Biden allowed U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to be used inside Russia. This decision followed months of debate over escalation risks and limited missile stocks. The first ATACMS deliveries arrived in Ukraine in April 2024, two years after the conflict started. U.S. lawmakers now press for more weapons and stronger sanctions. Republican senators and representatives call for overwhelming military support to Ukraine, saying peace talks have failed.
Russia condemned the new policy immediately. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it blocks any chance for peace and increases danger. President Vladimir Putin has warned that NATO-supplied missile strikes might lead to wider war. Moscow continues to hint it could use nuclear weapons if foreign missile attacks continue.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the Russian assault by urging more global pressure on Moscow. He said the violence will only stop with sustained force against Russia’s regime. Zelensky is scheduled to visit Berlin soon for talks with German leaders.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Putin as “completely unhinged” but also blamed Zelensky for “stirring tensions,” reflecting divisions among Western leaders.
Despite differing views, support for stronger military aid to Ukraine is growing. Germany’s new policy and wider ally backing give Ukraine the means to strike deeper into Russia and better defend itself.