Germany’s Chancellor Merz Declares No More Range Limits on Weapons Sent to Ukraine

BERLIN — In a bold move signaling stronger Western military support for Ukraine, Germany’s newly appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that Germany, along with other major allies, has lifted all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. This change allows Kyiv to strike deeper into Russian territory as it continues its defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Speaking at a forum organized by Germany’s public broadcaster WDR, Merz stated, “There are no longer any range restrictions for weapons delivered to Ukraine — neither by the British, the French, us, nor the Americans.” Simply put, this means Ukraine can now target military positions much farther inside Russia, a capability it was previously denied.

Merz described this capability as “long-range fire,” referring to weapons systems capable of hitting military objectives far behind enemy lines. While he did not specify the exact weapons involved, experts believe this signals an easing of earlier restrictions on longer-range arms that began in late 2023.

Why This Matters: A Shift in Western Support

This announcement marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to supporting Ukraine’s war effort. Since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022, Western countries—including the U.S., UK, France, and Germany—have supplied Ukraine with a variety of weapons, but often with limitations on their range to avoid escalating the conflict beyond Ukrainian territory.

Germany has historically been cautious, providing defensive weaponry but hesitating to supply longer-range missiles. This cautious approach was largely shaped by concerns over provoking Russia or broadening the war.

Now, with Merz at the helm since early April, Germany appears ready to adopt a more assertive stance. Germany has been the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, supplying tanks, artillery, and other critical equipment. Removing range restrictions could empower Ukraine to hit deeper Russian military targets, potentially shifting the strategic balance on the battlefield.

Diplomatic Reactions: Moscow’s Warning

The Kremlin responded swiftly. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the decision “quite dangerous” and warned it could hinder efforts toward a peaceful political settlement. Russia views the supply of long-range weapons as a direct escalation, potentially increasing the conflict’s intensity and scope.

The Taurus Missile Debate: What’s Next for Germany’s Aid?

One of the most discussed questions is whether Germany will now approve the delivery of Taurus long-range cruise missiles, which can reach targets up to 500 kilometers (about 310 miles) away. Merz’s predecessor, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, consistently rejected supplying these missiles, citing the risk of escalating the war.

Merz, however, advocated for sending Taurus missiles while in opposition, suggesting a potential policy shift. Still, the German government is currently maintaining “strategic ambiguity” about the exact nature of its weapons shipments to Ukraine, deliberately withholding detailed information to avoid political backlash or tipping off adversaries.

Looking Ahead

This policy change signals a clear escalation in Western military support for Ukraine, enabling Kyiv to defend itself more aggressively and target Russian forces beyond the immediate frontline. While it may increase tensions between NATO countries and Russia, it also reflects growing Western resolve to back Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As the war enters its second year, developments like these underline the complex balance of supporting Ukraine without sparking a wider conflict — a tightrope Germany and its allies are continuing to walk carefully.