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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed Ukraine may now strike Russian territory using long-range weapons.
Merz explained that this policy shift happened months ago, but now plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense.
He stressed Ukraine must counter attacks beyond its borders to defend itself effectively.
Previously, Ukraine could only use long-range missiles on occupied Ukrainian land, not within Russia itself.
Merz told reporters that removing these limits could significantly impact Ukraine’s battlefield strategy.
His comments opened new possibilities for Ukraine’s military campaign as the war enters its fourth year.

Powerful Missiles Now Unleashed

Ukraine now uses long-range weapons like ATACMS without previous geographic restrictions.
The US-designed ATACMS strikes targets up to 300 km away, even under extreme weather conditions.
Ukraine fires these missiles from HIMARS and MLRS M270 systems, both produced by Lockheed Martin.
In November 2024, Russia claimed it intercepted six ATACMS missiles targeting its territory.
However, Ukraine already used these missiles earlier, reportedly destroying nine Russian helicopters in October 2023.
These attacks struck bases in the east and demonstrated the weapons’ high precision and reach.

Ukraine also deploys Storm Shadow missiles, jointly made by France and the UK.
These long-range cruise missiles strike over 250 km and weigh around 1,300 kg.
MBDA, the manufacturer, described them as highly accurate against bunkers and infrastructure.
Each missile uses GPS, terrain data, and onboard imagery to match and hit targets exactly.
A two-stage warhead penetrates hard structures before detonation, controlled by an onboard fuze.
France, the UK, and Italy already use Storm Shadow in active service.

Taurus Missile Debate Continues in Germany

Germany faces pressure to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles, made by Saab and MBDA Deutschland.
The Taurus KEPD 350 delivers pinpoint strikes on high-value stationary targets like bunkers and radar systems.
Flying at low altitudes, it avoids detection and strikes using a 481 kg MEPHISTO warhead.
The air-to-surface missile travels over 500 km and weighs 1,400 kg.
Before Germany’s February election, Merz supported sending Taurus systems to Ukraine.
Now, Merz suggests Germany and Ukraine could cooperate on Taurus production in both countries.
Despite lifting restrictions, Merz stopped short of confirming actual Taurus deliveries to Kyiv.