Chancellor Merz: No More Restrictions on Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine

Germany will no longer impose restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine in the war against Russia. Chancellor Merz stated in a forum organized by broadcaster WDR that Germany, like the UK, France, and the US, will no longer limit long-range weapons for Ukraine.

"This means Ukraine can defend itself by, for example, attacking military positions in Russia. Until recently, this was not possible, but now it is," said Merz.

Almost exactly a year ago, former Chancellor Scholz, following then-US President Biden, approved the use of German weapons on Russian territory. In November, Biden approved the use of ATACMS missiles for deeper attacks into Russia, marking a significant shift in US foreign policy.

Merz had previously hinted at lifting these restrictions. Germany is the second-largest military aid provider to Ukraine after the US.

Kremlin spokesperson Peskov called the decision to remove range restrictions "quite dangerous" and "contrary to efforts for a political solution."