Germany has taken a pivotal step in the Ukraine conflict, lifting longstanding limitations on Western missile deliveries to Kyiv. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced at a European forum in Berlin that Germany, alongside its allies, no longer imposes range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine—paving the way for Kyiv to strike military targets within Russian territory. This move, one of the boldest Western policy shifts since the war began, comes days after a massive renewed wave of Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian soil.
The new stance marks a departure from prior restraint, aligning Germany with the U.S., the U.K., and France, who had already relaxed or removed similar constraints. By enabling Ukraine to counterattack, Berlin aims to enhance deterrence and shift the balance in a conflict that has now stretched into its fourth year. The decision also includes plans for joint missile production with Ukraine. This article explores the context, impact, strategic rationale, and broader international response.
Germany lifts missile range restrictions
Germany’s decision to remove missile range limits for Ukraine marks a dramatic policy shift. Chancellor Merz explicitly stated: “There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the Brits, nor the French, nor us… nor by the Americans either”. For the first time, Kyiv can now legally target military installations within Russian territory—an option previously off-limits.
This policy reversal follows a series of intense Russian missile and drone barrages that have battered Ukrainian cities. One live-fire attack reportedly involved nearly 300 drones and 70 missiles—among the largest of the war. Chancellor Merz framed the change as a necessary measure of retaliation and deterrence: by targeting Russian military assets, Ukraine can better defend its civilian infrastructure.
The rationale behind the change
Responding to Russian Escalation
In late May, Russia carried out its most extensive aerial campaign yet against Ukraine, deploying dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones. This surge triggered urgent calls from Kyiv and its Western backers to respond more assertively. Germany’s move signals a strategic pivot to escalate deterrence, preventing further damage to Ukrainian cities and reducing Russian offensive capacity.
Political leadership and coalition dynamics
Chancellor Merz, who assumed office earlier this month, has adopted a more assertive posture than his predecessor. The swift policy change reflects his intent to align German actions with those of its NATO peers and meet growing demands from Ukraine. Merz’s new government is forging deeper defense ties, including discussions on joint missile production with Ukraine and expanded military aid.
Joint missile production initiative
Cooperation in defense manufacturing
On May 28, during President Zelenskiy’s visit to Berlin, Chancellor Merz confirmed plans for industrial cooperation in the production of long-range missiles. The agreement includes a formal memorandum between German and Ukrainian defense ministries to establish joint manufacturing facilities. While specific details were withheld, Merz emphasized both long-range capability and industrial collaboration.
Implications for Ukraine’s defense sector
This initiative is transformative for Ukraine’s defense and industrial base. In addition to receiving missiles, Ukraine will now develop its domestic production capacity, transitioning from a dependent purchaser to a potential producer. This aligns with broader European rearmament trends as NATO states ramp up military funding and collaborate on air defense infrastructure.
Alliance-wide alignment
Germany’s move harmonizes NATO policy. The U.S. removed restrictions on the use of ATACMS missiles inside Russia in November 2024. The U.K. and France had already authorized a supply of long-range Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, also free from range limits.
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This coherence strengthens NATO deterrence messaging. French, German, and American leaders have repeatedly stressed that Ukraine has the right to neutralize military launchers threatening its critical infrastructure regardless of location.
Strategic and military implications
Balancing deterrence and Escalation
Allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia may deter Moscow, but it also intensifies the risks of Escalation. The Kremlin has described the policy as “dangerous” and warned of its unpredictability. While Western allies view the change as a justified response to sustained Russian aggression, Moscow’s rhetoric suggests potential backlash.
Operational effects on the battlefield
Ukraine now gains strategic flexibility. With unrestricted use of Western-supplied missiles, Kyiv can target high-value Russian assets like air bases, missile depots, radar stations, and logistical hubs. This could impair Moscow’s offensive capabilities and ease pressure on frontline Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine’s previous use of British Storm Shadow and American ATACMS has proven operationally effective in neutralizing Russian missile threats. German approval opens the door for Ukrainian pilots to carry out deeper and more frequent strikes, depending on missile supply and intelligence.
Support and Concerns Inside Germany
Parliamentary and political response
Germany’s Bundestag previously rejected supplying Taurus missiles in this manner under former Chancellor Scholz, reflecting domestic caution and a fear of Escalation. Merz has overcome such reluctance, but coalition dynamics still require navigating internal dissent. Some parties may express concerns over Germany’s growing involvement.
Public perception
German public opinion is mixed. While many support helping Ukraine defend itself, others worry about dragging Germany into a deeper confrontation and undermining European security. The government is stressing that the goal remains defensive—not expansionist.
Russia’s likely response
Threats of Escalation
The Kremlin has denounced the policy, calling it “dangerous” and accusing NATO of pushing the war toward whole regional conflict. Russia could respond through increased strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure or by targeting European assets or NATO territory in a bid to raise the stakes. Some analysts are suggesting that tests of Article 5 can be resolved through limited covert actions.
Propaganda and diplomatic fallout
Russian leadership is likely to use the policy shift as propaganda to portray the West as instigators. Diplomatic tensions with Germany and its allies could heighten, and global calls for ceasefire or mediation may intensify even as negotiations remain stalled.
NATO defense planning and Europe’s military posture
Germany’s move occurs amid broader NATO rearmament efforts. Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently urged a quadruple increase in air and missile defense capabilities ahead of the NATO summit in June 2025. Germany plans to add 50,000–60,000 troops under new defense defense budgets, emphasizing its role as a military powerhouse.
The European Sky Shield Initiative, a collective defense project involving Germany, aims to integrate multi-layered air defense systems across the continent. Germany is central to that effort, building on its recent procurement of IRIS-T, Patriot, and Arrow 3 systems.
Implications for Ukraine’s air defense
Ukraine’s vulnerability to Russian barrages has grown as Moscow deploys large drone and missile waves. Kyiv has urged for more Patriots and IRIS-T systems, now backed by Germany’s expansion of air defense cooperation.
The combined effect of offensive and defensive deep weapons empowers Ukraine to:
- Intercept incoming threats.
- Target enemy launch platforms and logistics.
- Disrupt Russian operational tempo.
- Together, these factors enhance Kyiv’s security while limiting Moscow’s military reach.
Wider geopolitical ripple effects
Transatlantic unity
Germany’s move reinforces transatlantic cohesion, signaling shared resolve among NATO powers. With U.S. restraint under former President Biden followed by aggressive advocacy under Trump, Western policy recently shifted. Now, Europe is stepping up as a credible defense pillar alongside its American partners.
Global security calculus
The policy may embolden U.S. allies in Asia or the Middle East to reassess their defense postures, creating a trend of deeper regional self-reliance. Russia, in response, may increase arms development and seek new partners.
Geneva framework and diplomacy
Despite hopes for renewed diplomacy, lifting missile range limits could complicate negotiations. Moscow is likely to dig in, citing Ukraine’s increasing capabilities and its narrative of survival. Europe may face pressure to propose fresh ceasefire terms or mediation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Germany lift missile range restrictions now?
Germany responded to a recent surge in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Chancellor Merz and allies concluded that letting Ukraine target Russian military sites is necessary for effective defense and deterrence.
Which missiles are affected by this policy change?
The ranges of long-range Western missiles such as U.S. ATACMS and British/French Storm Shadow/SCALP are now unrestricted. Germany signaled coordination with allies to lift limits “neither by the Brits nor … us.”.
Will Germany supply Taurus missiles?
Merkel previously resisted Taurus delivery under Scholz, and Merz did not confirm specifically. However, the range policy applies equally to all supplied systems, and Germany supports joint production efforts rather than committing to Taurus now.
What new missile production plan is underway?
Germany and Ukraine signed a memorandum to jointly construct long-range missile production facilities. This initiative aims to boost Ukraine’s defense industrial capacity and ensure sustained munitions availability.
How has Russia reacted to this shift?
The Kremlin described the policy as “dangerous” and warned it could escalate the conflict. Moscow could retaliate with increased strikes or covert operations and may intensify its propaganda and diplomatic pressure.
Does this move increase escalation risk?
Potentially, yes. While Germany and its allies view it as a legitimate defense, Russia may interpret it as a threat to its territory, possibly leading to retaliatory attacks or tests of NATO’s Article 5 unity.
How does NATO support expand with this initiative?
Germany’s decision aligns with NATO-wide defense posture improvements—such as calls for a 400% increase in air and missile defense capacity, troop expansion, and integrated systems under the European Sky Shield and Sky Shield for Ukraine.
What does this mean for Ukraine’s defense outlook?
Lifted missile constraints empower Kyiv to strike adversarial military targets deeper within Russia, degrade offensive infrastructure, and deter future attacks. Paired with stronger air defense and local production, Ukraine’s defense posture is significantly enhanced.
Conclusion
Germany’s decision to lift missile range restrictions for Ukraine joining its Western allies marks a decisive escalation in support. Beyond enabling deeper strikes into Russia, Berlin is backing joint missile production and doubling down on integrated air‑defense reforms. While the move could deter future aggression, it also risks provoking Moscow. As the war grinds on, Germany’s policy shift signals Europe’s growing readiness to shoulder a leading role in defending Ukraine.
