Western Allies Lift Range Restrictions on Weapons Supplied to Ukraine
In a significant development, Western allies have lifted range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, allowing the country to defend itself against Russian military targets on its own territory and beyond. The announcement was made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a Europe forum organised by German broadcaster WDR.
According to Sky News, previously, long-range missiles supplied to Ukraine by the US, the UK, and France were only allowed to be used against Russian military targets in occupied Ukrainian territory. However, Mr Merz stated that "there are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the US either."
This move is expected to make a "decisive difference in Ukraine’s warfare," according to Mr Merz. The lifting of range restrictions will enable Ukraine to target Russian military positions in Russia, which was previously not allowed. As Sky News reported, Mr Merz added that "Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia."
The previous chancellor, Olaf Scholz, was reluctant to send Germany’s most advanced weapons, notably long-range Taurus cruise missiles, to Ukraine. However, Mr Merz had indicated that he would be open to sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine before being elected. As Sky News noted, Mr Merz also said earlier this month that Germany would stop publishing details of military aid to Ukraine to achieve "strategic ambiguity" and prevent Russia from gaining any strategic advantages.
During a visit to Kyiv on May 10, Mr Merz told RTL/ntv broadcasters that "under my leadership, the debate about arms deliveries, calibre, weapons systems and so on will be taken out of the public eye." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Mr Merz during a visit to Berlin on Wednesday, sources told Reuters.
In a separate development, Mr Merz criticised Israel’s new military offensive in Gaza during the Europe forum. He said that "what the Israeli army is now doing in Gaza – I don’t understand, to say it openly." Mr Merz added that "harming the civilian population to the extent that has increasingly been the case in recent days can no longer be justified by a fight against the terrorism of Hamas." The German chancellor said he planned to call Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, this week to tell him "to not overdo it," though for "historical reasons," Germany would always be more guarded in its criticism than other European allies.
As reported by Sky News, Germany’s government only sporadically reported military aid supplied to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, until pressure from politicians and media resulted in it publishing a list of systems and goods. The move to lift range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine is seen as a significant shift in Western allies’ support for the country.
In related news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with world leaders to discuss further support for Ukraine. The developments come as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, with both sides suffering significant losses. As Sky News reported, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with concerns growing about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
The lifting of range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine has significant implications for the country’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. As Sky News noted, the move is seen as a major escalation in Western support for Ukraine, and could potentially shift the balance of power in the region.
Sources:
Sky News
