EditBerlin clears path for long-range strikes ahead of Zelenskyy visit
The statement of Friedrich Merz marks a significant evolution in the West’s support posture
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed that Ukraine is no longer subject to range restrictions on Western-supplied weapons, opening the door to strikes on Russian territory. The announcement comes ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin and follows the collapse of peace talks in Istanbul.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that there are no longer any limitations imposed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, or the United States on how far Ukraine can strike using Western-supplied weapons. Speaking during a broadcast of WDR Europaforum on 26 May, Merz declared that Ukraine can now defend itself “including by striking military targets on Russian territory.”
“Until recently, it could not do this, and until recently, with very rare exceptions, it did not do this. Now – it can,” Merz said. “It can hit military targets in the rear, and this is a decisive qualitative change in the way Ukraine is waging war.”
The statement marks a significant evolution in the West’s support posture, shifting from defensive to more proactive military assistance. It also strengthens Kyiv’s position at a time when diplomatic channels remain fragile.
Merz drew a sharp distinction between Russian and Ukrainian conduct on the battlefield.
“Russia is mercilessly attacking civilian targets – bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals, and nursing homes,” he said. “Ukraine is not doing this, and we attach great importance to ensuring that it remains this way.”
The remarks come in the wake of Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine to date. Between Sunday night and Monday morning, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 355 drones and nine cruise missiles. U.S. President Donald Trump responded by calling President Vladimir Putin “crazy,” accusing him of needlessly killing civilians.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the comment as a result of “emotional overload” but defended the attacks as “necessary for Russia’s security.”
The issue of long-range weapons has long been contentious in Germany. Prior to becoming chancellor, Merz had harshly criticised former Chancellor Olaf Scholz for refusing to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles. At the time, Merz even urged that an ultimatum be issued to Putin – demanding a ceasefire within 24 hours or else Kyiv would receive the missiles.
Since assuming office, Merz has moderated his rhetoric, stating that any future decisions on missile deliveries would be made in close coordination with Germany’s allies. He also indicated a shift toward more discretion, saying he no longer wishes to speak publicly about the provision of specific weapons systems.
It should be noted that back in November 2024, then-U.S. President Joe Biden became the first Western leader to authorize Ukraine’s use of long-range American weapons against targets inside Russia. According to reports at the time, the policy shift applied to strikes in the Kursk region and was seen as a response to North Korea’s involvement in the war on Russia’s side.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is expected to visit Berlin on 28 May. According to Der Spiegel, Merz plans to use the meeting to present Zelenskyy with proposals aimed at reviving diplomatic engagement and to brief him on a new EU sanctions package designed to increase pressure on Moscow.
The upcoming meeting follows a high-profile diplomatic gathering in Kyiv on 10 May where Merz appeared alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. It marked Merz’s first visit to Ukraine as chancellor, and the first time all four leaders stood together in Kyiv.
Merz’s decision to publicly lift restrictions on strike range marks a turning point not only in Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine but in Europe’s broader stance toward the conflict. It reflects a growing consensus among Western allies that Ukraine must be empowered to take the initiative, not merely defend its borders. The move also increases the pressure on Moscow at a moment when its maximalist demands have stalled any meaningful diplomatic progress.
However, Merz’s shift also highlights a balancing act – between signalling resolve and avoiding escalation. His emphasis on maintaining Ukraine’s adherence to international norms, even while enabling deeper strike capabilities, points to an effort to preserve moral credibility as well as military effectiveness.
As Zelenskyy arrives in Berlin, the focus will likely fall on how Europe intends to translate stronger military support into renewed diplomatic leverage. With peace talks in Istanbul having collapsed and Russia hardening its demands, Ukraine’s Western partners now face a strategic question: how to push for a ceasefire while equipping Kyiv to fight without constraints.
Sources: European Pravda, BGNES, edited by d.d.
Caption: Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk walk to attend a joint press conference following a meeting of the ‘Coalition of the willing’ at the Mariinskyi Palace, the official residence of the president of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, 10 May 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. [EPA/DAREK DELMANOWICZ]
Updated: May 27, 2025 - 05:41
