Western allies have announced a significant change in their support for Ukraine. Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, revealed that there will be no more restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine. This means that Ukraine can now use these long-range weapons to target military positions within Russia itself.
Merz made this announcement during a forum organized by German broadcaster WDR. He stated, "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the US either." This marks a shift from previous guidelines that limited the use of long-range missiles to targets in occupied Ukrainian territory.
The lifting of these restrictions is seen as a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s defense efforts. Merz emphasized that this change will make "the decisive difference in Ukraine’s warfare." Until now, Ukraine had only attacked Russian military positions in rare cases, but this new policy opens up more options for their military strategy.
This decision comes after a period of hesitation from Germany’s previous leadership regarding the provision of advanced weapons, including long-range Taurus cruise missiles. Merz has previously indicated a willingness to send these missiles to Ukraine, a stance that marks a departure from the more cautious approach of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
In addition to discussing military support, Merz also mentioned that Germany would stop publicly detailing the military aid provided to Ukraine. This move aims to create "strategic ambiguity" to prevent Russia from gaining insights into Ukraine’s capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Merz in Berlin soon, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Ukraine and its allies.
Merz also addressed other international issues during the forum, including the situation in Gaza, where he criticized Israel’s military actions and expressed concern over civilian casualties.
This shift in military support reflects a growing commitment among Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s defense as it continues to face challenges from Russia. The removal of range restrictions is likely to enhance Ukraine’s operational capabilities and alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.