Germany Lifts Ban on Ukraine Using Long-Range Missiles Against Russia

Germany Lifts Long-Range Missile Ban, Allowing Ukraine to Strike Inside Russia

Germany and several of Ukraine’s key Western allies have officially removed restrictions on Kyiv firing long-range missiles into Russian territory, marking a pivotal shift in support following Russia’s most aggressive aerial bombardment of the war.

Allies Greenlight Ukraine to Target Russian Military Positions

Speaking at a European forum in Berlin on Monday, newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the decision.

“There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine,” Merz stated. “Whether it’s from Britain, France, Germany, or the United States—Ukraine is now free to target military positions within Russia.”

This announcement comes after Moscow launched an unprecedented drone and missile offensive across Ukraine over the weekend, killing dozens and injuring scores more. Western leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have renewed pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a ceasefire.

Merz’s Policy Breaks with Scholz-Era Caution

Chancellor Merz’s move represents a sharp departure from the stance of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had consistently opposed permitting Ukraine to use Western arms beyond its borders. While Merz did not confirm whether Germany would provide its long-range Taurus missile system, he had previously advocated for it under Scholz’s administration, according to Reuters.

US Previously Removed Restrictions Amid Escalation

The United States had lifted its own restrictions last November, authorizing the use of US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets inside Russia. That decision followed months of debate among American policymakers concerned about war escalation and missile supply shortages.

Kremlin Reacts, Issues Fresh Warnings

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the decision as “dangerous,” warning it could derail ongoing political negotiations. “Such decisions directly contradict the momentum toward a peaceful resolution,” Peskov said via TASS, Russia’s state news agency.

Putin has previously threatened that any long-range attack supported by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint aggression—hinting at potential nuclear retaliation.

Zelensky to Visit Berlin Amid Renewed Russian Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Berlin on Wednesday to solidify strategic cooperation, per Reuters.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to reel from Russia’s record-breaking assault over the weekend, which killed over 25 people, including several children. Zelensky again urged Western nations to intensify pressure on Moscow.

“Without sustained pressure on Russia’s leadership, this violence won’t stop,” he said Sunday.

Trump Calls Putin ‘Absolutely Crazy,’ Urges Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump also reacted strongly, stating that Putin had “gone absolutely crazy” following the recent attacks. Trump, who previously maintained rapport with the Russian leader, is now considering additional sanctions on Moscow.

However, Trump also issued criticism of Zelensky, stating the Ukrainian leader’s public remarks are “causing problems.”

Republican Lawmakers Demand Harsher Sanctions

Within the US, prominent Republican lawmakers—including Senators Chuck Grassley, Lindsey Graham, and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Don Bacon—have urged Trump to escalate pressure on Russia.

“Peace talks are producing no results. It’s time to arm Ukraine to the teeth,” Rep. Bacon posted on X.