In response to recent statements made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday, the Kremlin officially commented on the possibility of lifting restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine
Russian President's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov emphasized that any Western decisions to lift these restrictions contradict Russia’s pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. According to him, if such decisions have indeed been made, they not only complicate the diplomatic process but also clearly run counter to Moscow’s aspirations for a peaceful settlement of the crisis. "These potential decisions, if they exist at all, undoubtedly oppose our efforts for a political resolution of the situation," Peskov stated in an interview with the Russian agency Interfax. The significance and impact of these statements have increased amid the recent announcement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding a shift in European policy on military aid to Ukraine. He claimed that Western countries, including Germany, the USA, the United Kingdom, and France, allegedly lifted restrictions on the range of missile systems supplied to the Ukrainian army, thereby granting Kyiv additional capabilities to strike Russian targets far beyond Ukrainian territory. Official Moscow swiftly responded to this news, emphasizing that such actions run counter to efforts for diplomatic resolution. Russian officials underscored that these steps undermine the atmosphere of trust and complicate the search for a compromise in the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over a year. It should be noted that previously, Merz stated in an interview that the USA and European countries had lifted restrictions on the use of the most advanced weapons, including long-range missiles, which can now be employed by Ukrainian forces to attack strategic targets within Russia. This signals a change in tactics for the Ukrainian military and, according to experts, could significantly influence the dynamics of the conflict and the level of escalation. Meanwhile, Moscow asserts that such decisions, if indeed implemented, will not facilitate a quick and effective path to peace; rather, they risk only increasing tensions in the region. Political analysts and the international community actively discuss these developments, as they open new horizons and challenges in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.