Germany has lifted all restrictions on the use of weapons it supplies to Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision in Berlin on Monday. Ukraine is now allowed to use long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia. This move comes after a weekend of deadly Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
“Ukraine may now use all the weapons we have provided without limits,” said Merz. “The British, French, Americans, and we Germans have all removed these restrictions. Ukraine may target military positions in Russia.”
This decision marks a major shift in Germany’s policy. Until now, Western weapons could only be used for defense within Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian leaders had long urged for more freedom to strike back. Now they have it.
The change follows one of the worst waves of Russian attacks in months. Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed. Homes, hospitals, and public services were destroyed. In response, Germany is giving Ukraine more room to defend itself.
Merz’s new stance is very different from that of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz was always cautious. He blocked any move to lift range limits, fearing war could spread. Merz has now ended those limits. However, he did not say whether Germany will send Taurus cruise missiles. Before becoming Chancellor, Merz had supported sending them. But on Monday, he stayed silent on that issue.
The United States led the way in lifting range bans. In November, President Joe Biden gave Ukraine the green light to use ATACMS – advanced long-range missiles – against targets in Russia. That decision came after months of debate. The U.S. military had blocked the use of ATACMS for nearly two years. The first shipment only arrived in April 2024.
Many U.S. lawmakers are now pushing for even stronger action. Republicans like Senators Lindsey Graham and Chuck Grassley, and Representatives Don Bacon and Brian Fitzpatrick, are urging more support. “Peace talks have failed,” Bacon posted on X. “It’s time to arm Ukraine with overwhelming force.”
In Germany, support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself is also growing. Experts say this new policy could help Ukraine stop future attacks. They see it as part of a larger plan to draw clear lines and send a strong message to Moscow.
Russia strongly condemned the German move. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called it “highly dangerous.” He claimed the decision blocks peace efforts and increases the risk of wider conflict. President Vladimir Putin has warned before that Western support for attacks on Russia could be seen as NATO involvement. He also suggested that Moscow might consider nuclear retaliation, even if conventional missiles are used.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Germany’s support. “Only real pressure on the Russian leadership can stop this war,” he said. Zelensky is scheduled to visit Berlin on Wednesday. He plans to strengthen military ties and keep momentum going among Ukraine’s allies.
Despite differences in opinion across Western countries, one message is becoming clear: Ukraine needs more tools to defend its people. Lifting restrictions gives Kyiv a stronger hand. It allows Ukraine to strike first and stop new attacks before they begin.
With the range limits gone, a new phase of the war has begun. Ukrainian leaders hope that targeting military sites inside Russia will protect cities and civilians at home.
This move marks a turning point. Europe is standing more firmly with Ukraine. The message is clear: the country has the right to defend itself—across all borders.