Germany adjusts defense strategy; Merz advocates missile production support in Ukraine
In a notable shift from its traditional defense stance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this week that Berlin is set to aid Ukraine in developing indigenous long-range missile systems, free of the constraints that have limited Western-supplied munitions.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, Merz pledged to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces by providing them with capabilities needed for successful national defense. This commitment extends to supporting Ukraine's domestic missile production, bypassing the restrictions on range and targeting that have hampered Western weapons shipments.
Merz's initiative marks a significant turning point for Germany's defense policy, as it moves towards more direct and unconditional support for Ukrainian weapons development. According to Merz, Ukraine will be able to defend itself effectively, including against military targets beyond its own territory.
In the past, the advanced systems delivered to Ukraine have come with caveats, reflecting concerns that deep strikes into Russian territory might provoke direct retaliation and potentially trigger NATO's direct involvement in the conflict. Merz's pledge signifies a sharp escalation in German military support for Ukraine, representing a departure from the more cautious stance taken under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
European allies may follow suit as Washington, especially after President Joe Biden's decision to allow limited Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory using US-supplied ATACMS missiles last year. This potential shift in strategy comes as the Trump administration notified Congress of a planned $50 million arms sale to Ukraine following a new US-Ukraine minerals deal.
Despite the historic pledge, Berlin's continued refusal to supply Kyiv with its powerful Taurus long-range cruise missiles remains a sticking point. Senior CDU member Roderich Kiesewetter has expressed disappointment, stating that this lack of clarity highlights Europe's weakness toward Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has criticized Germany's decision as contrary to Moscow's aspirations for a political settlement. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has extended an invitation for direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, but Ukraine expressed skepticism over Moscow's continued military escalation and lack of a concrete negotiating framework. As diplomatic maneuvers continue, the war on the ground intensifies, with both sides relying on increasingly advanced drone and missile technologies to gain an edge.
The United States, echoing Germany's recent stance, might consider providing more extensive military aid to Ukraine, given President Joe Biden's decision to allow limited Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory. France and other international allies may also reconsider their support, following Germany's commitment to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces without the traditional constraints. However, Russia has criticized these moves, viewing them as counterproductive to efforts towards a political settlement. The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, marked by the use of advanced drone and missile technologies, highlight the complexity of the political landscape.
