Germany and several Western allies have removed all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles to target Russian territory. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this policy change during a European forum in Berlin on Monday, following Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukrainian cities to date. The new approach allows Ukraine to use weapons supplied by Germany, the UK, France, and the United States without range limits.
Previously, Kyiv’s allies hesitated to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia to avoid escalating the conflict. However, after Russia’s weekend drone and missile attacks killed more than two dozen civilians, including children, the stance changed. Ukrainian officials urged stronger support, warning that hesitation would only encourage Moscow’s aggression. European and American leaders now see direct retaliation as a necessary defense.
This marks a clear break from former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s policy, who refused to permit German weapons for cross-border strikes. Chancellor Merz did not confirm whether Germany will send Taurus long-range missiles but avoided addressing the issue directly during the announcement.
The United States was the first major ally to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles. In November 2024, then-President Joe Biden approved Ukraine’s use of ATACMS to target Russia. This followed two years of reluctance due to concerns about escalating the war and the depletion of U.S. missile stockpiles. Ukraine received ATACMS in April 2024. Some U.S. lawmakers are now calling for increased sanctions and more military support.
Russia condemned the German-led decision as dangerous and undermining peace efforts. President Vladimir Putin warned that Western-backed strikes on Russian soil could be treated as collective aggression and hinted at a possible nuclear response even for non-nuclear missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to call on world leaders to maintain pressure on Russia to stop its attacks. Zelensky is scheduled to visit Berlin for talks with German and European officials. Despite criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump toward both Putin and Zelensky, support for Ukraine remains strong among its main allies. Removing missile restrictions gives Ukraine a critical tool to respond to Russia’s offensive.