In a significant policy shift, Germany’s opposition leader Friedrich Merz stated that there are now no range limitations on the weapons Germany is providing to Ukraine, signaling a bolder stance in Berlin’s support for Kyiv as the war against Russia continues into its third year.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emphasized that Germany must give Ukraine “what it needs to defend itself effectively”—including longer-range weaponry capable of striking Russian targets well behind the front lines.
“The range question is no longer an obstacle,” Merz said, referencing previous restrictions that limited how and where German-supplied weapons could be used. “If Ukraine is to survive and protect its sovereignty, it must be allowed to defend itself without artificial constraints.”
Although Merz leads the opposition, his comments carry weight in the evolving consensus among German political leaders regarding military aid. His remarks reflect mounting pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government to adopt a more decisive posture in helping Ukraine repel Russian aggression.
Germany has already supplied Ukraine with advanced military systems such as Leopard 2 tanks, IRIS-T air defense units, and heavy artillery. However, Berlin had previously maintained unofficial constraints on the range of missiles or the geographic use of its weaponry, fearing escalation with Moscow.
By declaring that those range restrictions are no longer valid, Merz aligns more closely with NATO allies such as the United Kingdom and France, which have encouraged Kyiv to target military installations within Russian territory when necessary.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly asked for long-range precision weapons to disrupt Russian supply lines, command centers, and air bases that are often located far from the front lines. Merz’s statement may add momentum to ongoing internal discussions within Germany’s coalition government about expanding the scope of military support.
The Kremlin has consistently warned Western nations that enabling Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory could provoke retaliation. However, supporters of lifting restrictions argue that defensive war must include the ability to neutralize threats beyond immediate borders.
Analysts say Merz’s comments reflect growing public and political support for stronger military aid as Russia ramps up offensives in eastern Ukraine. Recent battlefield developments—including missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure—have reinforced calls for expanded aid.
Whether Scholz’s administration officially follows through on Merz’s declaration remains to be seen, but the statement signals a turning point in Germany’s role within the Western alliance and its support for Ukraine’s full defense capabilities.
Source : Swifteradio.com
