Germany has lifted all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of German-supplied weapons against Russia, marking a decisive shift in policy that aligns Berlin with Western allies but draws sharp criticism from Moscow.
At a Glance
- Germany has removed range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine, allowing strikes on military targets inside Russia
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this policy shift, aligning Germany with the UK, France, and US positions
- The Kremlin labeled the decision “dangerous” and contradictory to peace settlement aspirations
- This marks a significant departure from former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s more cautious approach
- The announcement comes as Ukrainian President Zelensky prepares to visit Berlin amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations
Germany Removes Weapons Restrictions for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a major shift in Berlin’s Ukraine policy, lifting all range restrictions on German-supplied weapons. The decision, revealed at the WDR Europaforum 2025 in Berlin, allows Ukrainian forces to strike military targets inside Russian territory using German-provided arms. This change aligns Germany with NATO allies including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, who have already permitted such cross-border operations with their supplied weaponry.
“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,” Merz stated. “This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia… With very few exceptions, it didn’t do that until recently. It can now do that.”
ANOTHER TRUMPSTER FIRE: Moscow Escalates Ukraine Conflict, Defying Trump’s Diplomacy
In a dramatic escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow launched its largest-ever drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and other regions, killing at least 12 people and… pic.twitter.com/TNUw5Maexn
— Brian Harrod (@GetTheDailyDirt) May 26, 2025
Kremlin Condemns Decision as “Dangerous”
Russia has responded swiftly and critically to Germany’s announcement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the decision “dangerous” and contradictory to peace efforts. “If these decisions have indeed been made, they are completely at odds with our aspirations for a political [peace] settlement,” Peskov said. Moscow has consistently warned that allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with Western weapons constitutes direct Western involvement in the conflict.
The timing is particularly sensitive as it follows recent diplomatic efforts by President Trump, who held separate calls with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky about potential negotiations. Those calls were quickly followed by a significant Russian attack on Ukraine that killed 12 people, highlighting the volatile nature of the conflict despite diplomatic overtures.
Departure from Previous German Restraint
The policy shift represents a clear break from former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s more cautious approach. Scholz had consistently refused to provide Ukraine with Germany’s sophisticated Taurus cruise missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers, citing concerns about escalation. Chancellor Merz has now adopted a position of strategic ambiguity regarding specific weapons deliveries, refusing to detail exactly what systems Germany will provide to Ukraine.
The UK and France have already supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles with ranges of approximately 250 kilometers. In November 2024, the United States authorized Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles against targets inside Russia. Germany’s alignment with these allies creates a more unified Western position regarding Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, though questions remain about whether Berlin will now provide the long-requested Taurus missiles.
Zelensky’s Upcoming Berlin Visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit Berlin for meetings with Chancellor Merz, adding significance to the timing of Germany’s announcement. The visit comes amid complex diplomatic efforts to negotiate a potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Germany’s decision strengthens Ukraine’s position heading into any negotiations by expanding its military options against Russian forces and supply lines.
The policy shift reinforces Germany’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense while signaling a more assertive posture toward Russia than under previous leadership. As Western allies continue coordinating their military support for Ukraine, Germany’s removal of weapons restrictions represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has now entered its fourth year with no clear resolution in sight.
