Germany and its key Western allies no longer impose restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Monday, although it remains unclear what this means for future deliveries.
“There are no longer limits on the range for weapons delivered to Ukraine,” Merz said in an interview with public broadcaster WDR, “not from the British, nor the French, nor from us. Nor from the Americans.”
He explained that this allows Ukraine to defend itself by, for example, attacking military positions within Russia, something that had been rare until now.
However, the newly appointed German Chancellor did not specify if this policy shift will affect future weapon deliveries, particularly concerning the long-range Taurus missiles.
Under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership, Germany, the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, had declined to provide Taurus missiles due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.
Before his stint as Chancellor beginning in May, Merz had supported delivering these missiles, which have a range of over 500 kilometres, capable of reaching deep into Russian territory.
Since taking office, Merz has adopted a more ambiguous stance, indicating for strategic reasons that he would not disclose details about the weapons sent to Ukraine, to avoid alerting Moscow.
To date, Germany has supplied Ukraine with weapons having a range of up to approximately 70 kilometres.
European allies remain committed to doing “everything in their power to continue to support Ukraine militarily,” Merz assured.
