Germany and other allies lift restrictions on Ukraine firing long-range missiles after Russia’s record aerial assault

Germany and other key Ukrainian allies have lifted all restrictions on Kyiv firing long-range missiles into Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made the announcement Monday during a European forum in Berlin. This marks a major policy shift for countries that had previously resisted Ukraine’s calls for more aggressive weapon use.

“There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine,” Merz said. “Neither from the British, nor from the French, nor from us. Nor by the Americans.” He added, “Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia, for example.”

The change follows a weekend of intense Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed. Kyiv has asked for stronger support, saying attacks won’t stop without greater pressure on Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Sunday. “Without really strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” he said.

The shift also increases pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. He faces calls from the international community—including former U.S. President Donald Trump—to consider a ceasefire. Trump, who has shown frustration over stalled negotiations, said Monday that Putin had “gone absolutely crazy.” He also criticized Zelensky’s response to the attacks, calling his comments “a problem.”

The lifting of restrictions signals a new chapter in how Western countries are backing Ukraine. Until recently, most allies limited Ukraine to using long-range systems only within its own territory. Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had repeatedly refused to allow German weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

Merz’s position is a reversal. Before becoming chancellor, he supported sending Germany’s powerful Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He did not confirm on Monday whether those missiles would now be part of the new policy.

The United States had already relaxed its policy in late 2024. President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use American-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) within Russian territory. The U.S. withheld ATACMS for over two years, finally delivering them in April 2024. That decision took months of internal debate and came amid concerns about escalating the war and depleting U.S. stockpiles.

American officials remain divided. Some worry about deepening involvement. Others believe deterrence requires stronger support. “The U.S. and allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). “Peace talks are having zero effect on Putin.”

Russia responded sharply to Merz’s announcement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state news agency TASS that the decision was “rather dangerous.” He warned that lifting restrictions undermines peace efforts. “Such decisions go against our aspirations to reach a political settlement,” Peskov said.

Putin has repeatedly warned that attacks on Russian soil could trigger wider conflict. He has threatened to treat strikes from nuclear-armed countries as joint attacks on Russia. In such cases, he said, Moscow reserves the right to respond with nuclear weapons.

Despite these threats, support for Ukraine in Western capitals appears to be solidifying. British and French leaders have also signaled stronger backing for Ukraine’s right to self-defense, even beyond its borders.

Zelensky is scheduled to visit Berlin on Wednesday, according to Reuters. His trip will likely include talks on weapons, security, and a united front against Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, domestic pressure is mounting in the United States. Congressional Republicans, including Sens. Lindsey Graham and Chuck Grassley, have urged Trump to act more decisively. “It is a time for honesty,” Bacon posted on X. “Putin understands only strength.”

As Ukraine prepares to expand its defense strategies, its allies are showing a growing willingness to push boundaries. While the long-term outcome remains uncertain, Kyiv now has more military options than at any time since the war began.

‍