Ukraine Cleared to Strike Inside Russia Using Western Arms, Merz Says

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there are no more restrictions on Kyiv using Western long-range weaponry against targets inside Russia. 

Merz’s comments came after Russia launched large-scale aerial strikes across Ukraine three nights in a row. 

Merz said a similar decision has also been made by the UK and France – as well as the US – during Monday’s WDR Europaforum hosted by Germany’s WDR outlet. 

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons that have been delivered to Ukraine – neither from the British side, nor from the French side, nor from our side. There are none from the Americans either,” Merz said. 

It is unclear when the restrictions were lifted. 

Former US President Joe Biden lifted the restrictions on US-provided ATACMS missiles in late 2024, allowing Kyiv to strike targets inside Russia along the border.

At the time, it was speculated that the change could also affect other Western long-range weapons, such as the British Storm Shadow cruise missiles whose usage requires Washington’s authorization as they utilize elements of US technology covered by Washington’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Merz on Monday added that there are limitations as to where Kyiv can strike without elaboration. 

At present, Germany has not provided Kyiv with its Taurus missiles or any long-range weaponry. Merz also said last week that future arms agreements with Kyiv will not be publicized, according to New Voice Ukraine. 

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But Merz, before assuming the chancellor role in early May, has voiced openness to sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine. 

Commenting on the recent peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow that failed to secure a ceasefire, Merz said Russian leader Vladimir Putin “obviously sees offers of talks as a sign of weakness.”

“After the last three weeks, no one can seriously accuse us of not having exhausted all available diplomatic means,” Merz said.

Merz said that Kyiv and its supporters have “done everything” they could – short of “raising the white flag.”

“If even an offer to meet at the Vatican does not get (Putin’s) approval, then we must be prepared for this war to last longer than we all wish or can imagine,” he said, referring to the Kremlin’s hesitation about the proposed peace talks to be hosted by the Vatican. 

Merz previously vowed more sanctions on Moscow if the latter rejects the West’s ceasefire ultimatum.