In a major policy shift, Germany and several key Western allies have lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles inside Russian territory, following one of the most intense aerial bombardments by Moscow since the war began.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the move on Monday during a European forum in Berlin, stating that Ukraine is now free to strike military targets across the Russian border using Western-supplied weapons.
“There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine,” Merz declared. “Neither from the British, nor from the French, nor from us. Nor by the Americans.” He added that Ukraine now has the green light to “defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia.”
The announcement comes after Russia launched a record wave of drone and missile attacks over the weekend, targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, killing more than two dozen civilians, including children.
Merz’s position signals a stark departure from the cautious approach of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who had previously resisted lifting such restrictions. While Merz did not confirm whether Germany will send its long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, his comments underscore a growing willingness among NATO allies to escalate military support.
The U.S. had already relaxed its policy last November when then-President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) inside Russian territory. That decision came after months of internal debate over fears of escalating the war and depleting Pentagon stockpiles.
Russia has strongly condemned the new development. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the lifting of restrictions was “rather dangerous” and undermined ongoing peace efforts. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously threatened that any Western-supported strike on Russian soil could be interpreted as a joint NATO attack — potentially provoking a nuclear response.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Berlin on Wednesday amid growing calls for Western nations to ramp up pressure on Moscow. Speaking Sunday, Zelensky stressed that only “really strong pressure on the Russian leadership” could halt the violence.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has re-entered the debate with increasing involvement, expressed frustration with Putin’s aggression, calling the Russian leader “absolutely crazy.” However, he also criticized Zelensky for “causing problems” in the ongoing diplomacy.
Domestic political pressure is mounting in the U.S. as well, with Republican lawmakers urging harsher sanctions on Moscow and more robust military support for Kyiv. “Peace talks are having zero effect on Putin,” wrote Rep. Don Bacon on X. “The US and allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth.”
As the war enters its fourth year, the latest developments reflect a growing consensus among Ukraine’s allies: that containment is no longer enough and that Kyiv must be empowered to hit back, even across borders.
Written By Rodney Mbua
