German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that Western allies have lifted restrictions that previously limited Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons, now allowing strikes against military targets inside Russian territory.
“There are no longer any restrictions from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, or from us,” Merz said during a forum hosted by German public broadcaster WDR. According to the chancellor, this shift enables Ukraine to defend itself more effectively, including through attacks on military installations within Russia — something that was previously prohibited, with only a few exceptions.
Merz highlighted the stark contrast in how both countries conduct their operations. “While Kyiv targets military infrastructure, Russia continues to ruthlessly bomb civilian targets such as cities, daycare centers, hospitals, and nursing homes,” he stated.
The German leader also revealed that his recent visit to Kyiv on May 10 — alongside officials from France, the UK, and Poland — was primarily aimed at reinforcing support for Ukraine. During the trip, the group agreed that future discussions on arms supplies would be held confidentially.
Until now, Ukraine had received long-range missiles from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, but was only allowed to use them within occupied Ukrainian territories. In Germany’s case, Merz had already expressed, even before taking office, his intention to reverse the policy of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which blocked the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles capable of hitting targets up to 500 kilometers away.
“No one can say now that we haven’t exhausted all diplomatic options,” Merz said. In his view, the lifting of these restrictions could become a turning point in the war: “A country that can only defend itself within its own borders is not truly defending itself.”
