Ukraine gains ability to strike deep in Russia as Merz says US, Germany, UK, France remove weapon range limits; Moscow warns of ‘dangerous’ escalation
Berlin, May 27, 2025 – In a pivotal shift in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France have lifted all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine.
This decision allows Ukraine to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in Western support for Kyiv.
Moscow has condemned the move as “dangerous,” warning it could further inflame the ongoing war.
Merz’s Bold Announcement
Speaking at the WDR Europaforum 2025 in Berlin, Merz declared, “There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine — neither by the British nor by the French nor by us nor by the Americans”.
He emphasized that this change enables Ukraine to target Russian military positions, a capability it was largely restricted from using until recently.
“Ukraine can now strike deep inside Russia,” Merz added, signaling a strategic pivot in Western support.
The announcement follows a surge in Russian aggression, including the largest wave of drone strikes on Ukraine since 2022.
However, the announcement has caused confusion within Germany’s coalition government.
Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and Ralf Stegner of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) stated that no new agreements were made, contradicting Merz’s claims.
Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) governs alongside the SPD and Christian Social Union (CSU), highlighting internal political tensions.
Moscow’s Sharp Response
The Kremlin responded swiftly, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeling the decision “dangerous” and at odds with efforts for a political resolution.
“This move runs contrary to the goals of achieving a peaceful settlement,” Peskov said, warning that it could escalate the conflict further.
Russia has consistently criticized Western arms supplies to Ukraine, arguing they prolong the war and risk direct NATO involvement.
Russia also issued a specific warning to Germany, stating that Ukrainian strikes using German-supplied Taurus missiles would be considered “direct participation” by Berlin.
This rhetoric underscores Moscow’s concern that the West’s latest move could lead to a more intense phase of the war.
The Weapons in Question
The lifting of range restrictions applies to several long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine, enhancing its ability to strike deep into Russian territory. Key systems include:
| Weapon System | Supplier | Range | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Shadow / Scalp Missiles | UK, France | ~250 km (155 miles) | Previously restricted to occupied Ukrainian territory; now usable in Russia |
| Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) | US | ~305 km (190 miles) | Authorized for use against Russia in November 2024 |
| Taurus Missiles | Germany (potential) | ~500 km (310 miles) | Not yet supplied, but option under consideration |
These weapons enable Ukraine to target Russian supply lines, command centers, and other military infrastructure far beyond the front lines.
Strategic Implications
Military experts suggest that this policy shift could significantly alter the conflict’s dynamics.
By enabling Ukraine to strike deep into Russia, it may disrupt Moscow’s logistics and command structures, potentially weakening its military operations.
“This could make the decisive difference in Ukraine’s warfare,” Merz noted, highlighting the potential for a strategic advantage.
However, the move carries significant risks. Russia may retaliate by intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities or targeting Western interests, either directly or through cyberattacks.
The Kremlin’s warnings suggest a heightened risk of escalation, potentially drawing NATO closer to direct involvement.
International Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the decision, calling it a “decisive step” for Ukraine’s defense.
He is set to meet Merz in Berlin on Wednesday to discuss further military support.
Germany’s new government has also adopted a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” ceasing to publish details of its military aid to Ukraine to prevent Russia from gaining tactical advantages.
This shift, announced by Merz during a May 10 visit to Kyiv, reflects a broader trend among Western allies to enhance support while managing escalation risks.
Background: A Protracted Conflict
The Ukraine-Russia war, which escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has evolved into a grueling conflict marked by heavy casualties and widespread destruction.
Ukraine has relied heavily on Western military aid, including artillery, tanks, and advanced missile systems, to counter Russian advances.
Long-range weapons have been a contentious issue, with Western allies initially hesitant to allow their use inside Russia to avoid provoking a broader conflict.
In May 2024, France and Germany’s leaders indicated that Ukraine could strike Russian military sites launching attacks, but not other targets.
The US followed suit in November 2024, authorizing ATACMS use against Russia.
Merz’s announcement builds on these earlier decisions, signaling a unified Western stance to empower Ukraine’s defense.
The Role of Long-Range Weapons
Long-range weapons like Storm Shadow, Scalp, and ATACMS are critical in modern warfare. They offer Ukraine several strategic advantages:
Disrupting Supply Lines: Targeting Russian supply depots and logistics hubs can weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its forces.
Striking Command Centers: Attacks on command facilities can disrupt Russian coordination and response times.
Psychological Impact: Strikes deep inside Russia may lower morale among Russian troops and civilians.
Strategic Flexibility: These weapons allow Ukraine to adopt a more offensive posture, potentially shifting the war’s dynamics.
However, these benefits come with risks. Russia may view such strikes as a direct challenge to its sovereignty, potentially leading to retaliatory actions against Ukraine or Western interests.
Legal and Ethical Questions
The use of Western-supplied weapons inside Russia raises complex legal and ethical issues.
Under international law, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, but strikes within Russian territory could be seen as escalatory.
Western allies have stressed that these weapons should target only military sites, not civilian infrastructure.
However, defining legitimate targets is challenging, and the risk of collateral damage remains a concern.
Russia has warned that such strikes could be interpreted as direct involvement by supplying countries, potentially drawing them into the conflict.
This has led to cautious approaches in the past, particularly from Germany, which under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz refrained from supplying Taurus missiles to avoid escalation.
Looking Ahead
The lifting of range restrictions marks a turning point in the Ukraine-Russia war.
It could empower Ukraine to disrupt Russian operations significantly, but it also risks intensifying the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled, and with this new development, achieving a negotiated settlement appears increasingly difficult.
As Ukraine prepares to leverage its new capabilities, the international community will closely monitor Russia’s response and the broader implications for global security.
The coming weeks, particularly Zelenskyy’s meeting with Merz, will be critical in shaping the next phase of this protracted conflict.
