Ukraine has received a significant boost in military support from its Western allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that there are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons being sent to Ukraine. This change comes in response to Russia’s increased drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory.
Merz stated, “There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine—neither by the British nor by the French nor by us nor by the Americans.” He emphasized that this means Ukraine can now defend itself by targeting military positions inside Russia, something it had not done extensively until now.
This shift in policy raises concerns about potential Russian retaliation. Last November, after President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range weapons against Russia, Moscow revised its nuclear strategy. The updated doctrine indicated that a conventional attack from a non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear power, would be viewed as a joint attack on Russia.
In a recent escalation, Russia launched a multiple-warhead, nuclear-capable missile at Ukraine, marking the first time such a weapon has been used in combat.
In response to Merz’s announcement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism about the change in Western policy, suggesting that it contradicts ongoing efforts for a political resolution. He stated, “If such decisions have indeed been made, they are entirely at odds with our aspirations for a political resolution.”
The Kremlin has also claimed that Ukraine’s use of Western long-range weapons makes the West a direct participant in the conflict. Targeting assistance from NATO nations is necessary for these attacks, according to Russian officials.
This development follows harsh remarks from former President Donald Trump, who criticized Putin and suggested that the Russian leader has changed for the worse. Trump described Putin as “absolutely CRAZY” and expressed confusion over his behavior.
Peskov responded to Trump’s comments by thanking the U.S. for initiating peace talks, attributing Trump’s remarks to “emotional overload.”
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this change in military support for Ukraine and the potential reactions from Russia remain critical points of concern for the international community.