Germany’s Approval for Ukraine to Strike Russia: Implications for the War
Germany has authorized Ukraine to use German-supplied long-range weapons to strike targets within Russia, a move indicating a stronger Western stance as the conflict continues.
This decision, declared by Chancellor Merz, removes previous limitations on the range of German missiles and aligns Germany with allies like the UK and France.
“We will do everything we can to keep supporting Ukraine,” Merz stated in a speech on Monday.
While it’s uncertain if Germany will provide Taurus missiles specifically, as Ukraine requested, Merz confirmed Ukrainian forces can now strike military positions in Russia using German systems. “Ukraine can now defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia,” the Chancellor stated.
The Kremlin criticized the decision. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described it to state media as “a rather dangerous decision” and cautioned it would hinder efforts for a political resolution.
“If such decisions are made, they will absolutely go against our aspirations to reach a political settlement and the efforts being made within the framework of the settlement,” he said.
This shift contrasts with the approach of Merz’s predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who hesitated to send long-range weapons to Ukraine due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. During a visit to Kyiv last December, Scholz maintained his refusal, even while announcing a €650 million military aid package from Germany.
In contrast, Merz emphasized the unity of Ukraine’s Western supporters. “There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the British nor by the French nor by us nor by the Americans,” the Chancellor emphasized at a press conference on Monday.
A government official later clarified to Reuters that the announcement did not represent a policy change, as Merz’s administration, in power since May 6, had never enforced such limitations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Merz in Berlin on Wednesday, May 28.
While Germany has shifted its position, the U.S. has yet to confirm whether it has removed all restrictions on long-range missile supplies to Ukraine. According to the Kyiv Post, unnamed senior officials stated that some restrictions remained in place but were under review by President Donald Trump, who “believes that the current status quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table.”
Former President Joe Biden had previously relaxed some restrictions on long-range missiles. In November 2024, shortly after losing the presidential election to Trump, Biden authorized the use of ATACMS missiles to strike targets within Russia. Ukraine has since employed these weapons to attack targets in the Bryansk region and other areas of western Russia.
Chancellor Merz’s decision to remove similar restrictions could significantly enhance Ukraine’s capacity to strike deep within Russian territory. Last November, the Ukrainian military successfully employed British long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Military sources told Sky News that strikes using these missiles were “very successful,” hitting targets in the Kursk region.
Merz’s announcement coincides with increased uncertainty regarding a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Last week, Zelensky spoke about the possibility of beginning immediate negotiations between the two countries.
However, shortly after, Russia launched its largest attack on its neighbor since the war began, resulting in 12 deaths, including three children, in an attack involving 367 drones and missiles.
Trump, in a TruthSocial post, described Zelensky’s comments as “needlessly killing a lot of people” and “absolutely crazy.” The President criticized Zelensky, stating that the Ukrainian President “is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
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