Ukraine has gained the right to carry out deep strikes on Russian territory — Merz announced an important step in military support
In an unexpected and significant statement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened a new chapter in military diplomacy concerning Ukraine. According to him, four leading Western countries — Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States — have lifted restrictions regarding the range of weapons they supply to Ukrainian forces. This means that the Ukrainian army now has the right to strike at long-range targets, including Russian military facilities, bases, and other military objects, significantly changing the situation on the front lines. Merz disclosed this during a television broadcast on the German public channel WDR Europaforum, which caused considerable resonance within European military and political circles. The German deputy leader emphasized that during previous months, restrictions on the range of Ukrainian strikes were factors that limited Ukraine’s capabilities in the ongoing fight. Now… everything has changed. Merz stated: “There are no more restrictions on carrying out high-precision long-range strikes.” He underscored that Ukrainian forces now have the right to attack military targets even deep within Russia. According to the Chancellor, this is “a key and decisive” moment in the war effort, opening new possibilities for Ukraine’s defense, enabling the destruction of the enemy from greater distances, and shifting the balance of power on the battlefield. Merz highlighted that Russia, in contrast, continues to pursue ruthless tactics against Ukraine’s civilian population. He noted that Russia systematically bombs cities, destroying residential districts, kindergartens, hospitals, and homes of the elderly. In this context, he particularly emphasized that Ukraine, unlike its aggressor, is committed to defending its civilian population and adheres to humanitarian principles. “We highly value and support this stance to ensure it remains so in the future,” the politician stressed. The discussion surrounding the range and types of weapons supplied to Ukraine is becoming especially relevant against the backdrop of the prolonged conflict. It is also important to remember that as far back as November 2024, former U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the Ukrainian military to use long-range weapons, including American systems, on Russian territory for the first time. Reports indicated that these measures included the possibility of striking the Kursk region, as a response to Russia’s intensified military actions and even to the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. This decision opened up significant opportunities for Ukraine to strengthen its capacity to target deep behind enemy lines and provided additional avenues to bolster Kyiv’s defense capabilities. It is worth noting that Friedrich Merz, prior to coming to power, was an active critic of his predecessor — Chancellor Olaf Scholz — and advocated for more decisive actions regarding Ukraine’s military support. In particular, he sharply criticized the German government’s refusal to supply Taurus missile systems to Ukraine, viewing it as a strategic mistake. However, after taking on leadership, he has gradually shifted his rhetoric. Now, Merz emphasizes that decisions on arms supplies are issues that require coordination not only within the domestic political circle but also with NATO allies and the European Union. He does not hide that he prefers not to publicly engage in discussions about specific weapons models, focusing instead on diplomatic and military consultations. Overall, this news can be seen as evidence of a shift in European and American policies towards Ukraine, as well as a sign that the West remains committed to supporting Kyiv in its fight against Russian aggression by providing a broader arsenal and greater operational capabilities. At the same time, this development intensifies the debate around escalation and geopolitical tensions, since the possibility of striking deep within Russian territory could have far-reaching implications for the strategic considerations of both sides and regional stability.