German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that Ukraine is now permitted to use Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets inside Russia, a major shift in policy from earlier in the war.
Speaking at the WDR European Forum in Berlin, Merz said that Western allies, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany have lifted previous restrictions on how far Ukraine could use the weapons provided to them.
"There are no longer any range limits on the weapons sent to Ukraine", Merz stated. "That means Ukraine can now defend itself by, for example, attacking military positions inside Russia. Until recently, that wasn't allowed and with a few exceptions, Ukraine wasn't doing it. But now it can".
This change could significantly alter Ukraine’s ability to respond to Russian attacks, giving Kyiv more options to target bases, missile launch sites, and logistics centers located across the border in Russian territory.
However, Merz didn't say exactly when these restrictions were lifted or what led to the decision. It's also unclear whether he was referring to a move made by the previous U.S. administration in late 2024 — which was reportedly coordinated with European allies — or a more recent shift that hasn't yet been made public.
Merz, who only became chancellor earlier this month, did not go into detail about what specific weapons systems or conditions are involved. But his comments suggest a united front among Western powers in giving Ukraine more flexibility on how to use the military aid it receives.
Following remarks by, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that any European move to provide Kyiv with enhanced long-range missile capabilities would be a dangerous escalation. A German official later clarified that Merz’s comments did not signal a shift in Berlin’s policy.
This development comes at a critical time in the war, as Ukraine continues to defend its territory and infrastructure amid renewed Russian offensives and ongoing missile and drone attacks.
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