Ukraine has received approval to use long-range missiles beyond its own territory. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that this change in policy happened months ago, though it is only now being publicly discussed. Previously, Ukraine was allowed to strike only within areas of its land occupied by Russian forces. This shift in rules opens the door for Ukraine to target military bases, supply depots, and other key locations inside Russian borders.
The announcement marks a possible turning point in the way Ukraine defends itself. Merz said that defending only inside Ukraine’s borders is no longer enough to stop the attacks. Allowing strikes across the border could reduce pressure on Ukrainian cities by hitting the sources of missile and drone launches. The goal is to reduce Russia’s ability to carry out new attacks by targeting the systems behind them.
This change comes as Ukraine continues to receive more advanced weapons from its Western allies. One of the most important additions is the ATACMS missile system supplied by the United States. These missiles are surface-to-surface and have a range of up to 300 kilometers. They can reach targets deep inside enemy territory. Lockheed Martin designed these missiles to work in all weather conditions. They are launched from mobile platforms such as HIMARS or the M270, giving Ukraine flexibility in deployment.
Ukraine has already used ATACMS in combat. In October 2023, Ukrainian forces used them to strike airfields in eastern Ukraine where Russian helicopters were based. Reports suggest that nine helicopters were destroyed in that attack. In November 2024, Russia claimed it intercepted six ATACMS missiles over its territory. Still, the fact that Ukraine can strike that far shows how the battlefield is changing.
Along with U.S. support, Europe has also supplied long-range weapons. One example is the Storm Shadow missile, which is called SCALP in France. The United Kingdom and France developed this missile together. It weighs about 1,300 kilograms and can fly more than 250 kilometers. Its advanced navigation systems help it reach precise targets. It uses sensors to compare real-time images with stored ones, ensuring accurate hits even in difficult conditions. Storm Shadow also carries a strong warhead designed to hit bunkers or other protected targets.
This missile is already in use by the UK, France, and Italy. Now, it is in the hands of the Ukrainian military. Its arrival gives Ukraine a better chance to stop Russian attacks before they reach populated areas. The missile can hit launch sites, ammo depots, and command centers.
Another weapon that may enter the battlefield is the Taurus missile from Germany. So far, Germany has not delivered this missile to Ukraine. But pressure is growing for that to change. The Taurus KEPD 350 is a long-range missile made by MBDA Deutschland and Saab. It can fly more than 500 kilometers and strike high-value targets with accuracy. The missile flies close to the ground to avoid radar. It uses a powerful warhead called MEPHISTO that delivers a strong blast to destroy its target.
Friedrich Merz had supported sending the Taurus missile before Germany’s last election in February. He now says that Germany wants to work with Ukraine on building weapons. But he has not clearly said if the Taurus missile will be sent anytime soon. Some experts believe that sending Taurus missiles could be the next major step in Western support for Ukraine.
Allowing Ukraine to strike across the border could help change the course of the war. It may force Russian troops to move supply stations and weapons further away from the front. This would make it harder for Russia to continue its attacks. Ukrainian forces would be able to weaken Russian operations before they reach the battlefield. Long-range weapons give Ukraine a better chance to stop the war machines before they become a threat.
At the same time, there is concern about how Russia will react. Attacks on its own soil may lead to stronger responses. However, many Western countries now agree that Ukraine has the right to defend itself in the way it sees fit. The new policy from Germany shows that more countries are ready to support Ukraine with stronger tools.
This is a major shift in the war, and it may lead to new developments in the coming weeks. Western countries will continue to watch closely as Ukraine starts to use this new permission.