In a major policy shift, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly backed Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory, confirming that Berlin has lifted all geographical restrictions on weapons provided to Kyiv. Speaking at a Berlin conference, Merz stated, “There is no longer any range restriction... This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example by attacking military positions in Russia.”

This decision aligns Germany with the U.S., UK, and France, which previously allowed Ukrainian use of long-range missiles such as Storm Shadow, Scalp, and ATACMS against targets in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions.

Taurus Missiles Back on the Table

Merz’s stance sharply contrasts with that of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had long resisted sending Taurus missiles. The Taurus, with a range exceeding 500 kilometers and designed for deep penetration strikes on fortified targets, was previously seen as too provocative.

Although Merz has stopped disclosing arms shipments, he previously signaled openness to delivering Taurus missiles if coordinated with allies, adopting a French-style “strategic ambiguity” doctrine.

The Kremlin responded with alarm. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the policy change “potentially dangerous” and said it could derail peace efforts. The shift also comes amid wider tensions, as European leaders prepare to meet in Aachen and Berlin to discuss escalating support for Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to meet Merz on May 30 to coordinate pressure on Moscow, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due in Berlin the day before.