Allied nations abolish distance limits for armaments provided to Ukraine.
Western allies lift range restrictions for weapons supplied to Ukraine, paving the way for expanded military operations
In a significant shift in policy, Western allies have removed range restrictions for weapons delivered to Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced. Previously, long-range missiles supplied by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany were restricted to attacking Russian military targets on occupied Ukrainian territory.
Speaking at a Europe forum organized by German broadcaster WDR, Merz confirmed that there are now no restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine by any of the aforementioned countries. He added that Ukraine can now defend itself by attacking military positions within Russia, a privilege that was previously restricted.
This policy change represents a substantial escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as it allows Ukraine to target Russian military installations directly. If implemented, Ukraine could utilize advanced weapons systems such as the ATACMS from the U.S., Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles from Britain and France, and potentially Germany's Taurus missiles (though no official decision has been made on Taurus deliveries).
Chancellor Merz clarified that this policy change was not a newly announced strategy, but rather a decision made several months ago. Despite some initial reluctance, Merz previously indicated that he would be open to sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine before his election. The German government has chosen to keep the specific details of its military aid to Ukraine confidential to achieve "strategic ambiguity" and avoid providing Russia with any strategic advantages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Merz in Berlin on Wednesday, according to sources. The meeting will likely focus on the new policy and its implications, as well as the wider conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In related news, Chancellor Merz also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza during the forum, criticizing Israel's recent military offensive. He stated that the significant harm inflicted on the civilian population by Israel's military actions is no longer justifiable as a fight against the terrorism of Hamas. Merz plans to contact Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to express concern over the escalation of violence and urge restraint.
As the conflict in Ukraine and other global hotspots unfolds, the world continues to watch developments closely. According to Merz, maintaining open dialogue and diplomatic efforts remains crucial to resolving these conflicts and preserving peace and stability.
In light of the lifted range restrictions, Ukraine can now use long-range missiles supplied by Western allies to attack Russian military positions, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war-and-conflicts. This policy change, which allows for direct targeting of Russian military installations, is evoking discussions in the realm of politics, particularly as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza has also caught Merz's attention, with him criticizing Israel's recent military offensive and planning to express concern to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
