The West allowed long-range strikes on Ukraine: restrictions were lifted

A major turning point has occurred regarding military aid to Ukraine. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Western countries — Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States — have officially lifted all previously imposed restrictions on using the weapons delivered to Ukraine to strike targets on Russian territory. This was conveyed to the public through German media outlets.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France have removed such barriers. The United States has also abandoned restrictions in this direction,” said Chancellor Merz.

It is emphasized that this decision creates broad opportunities for Ukraine to carry out strategic defense and retaliatory strikes. In particular, the country will now be able to freely use long-range weapons against military targets located on Russian territory.

In his speech, Friedrich Merz stressed that Germany is ready to use all available means to provide military assistance to Ukraine. For this reason, he recently visited Kyiv along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Polish leader Donald Tusk. This visit was carried out within the framework of the “coalition of volunteers” and once again demonstrated the firm stance of Western countries.

Kremlin’s Response

Russia managed to express its position regarding these decisions. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that the lifting of these restrictions is an action contrary to political agreements and existing diplomatic efforts. He assessed it as “a rather dangerous decision.”

Until now, the use of long-range weapons delivered to Ukraine by Western countries against targets on Russian territory had been prohibited. This was one of the political measures taken to avoid escalating the conflict and to prevent direct confrontation.

However, the situation has changed dramatically in recent months. In November 2024, it was reported that then U.S. President Joe Biden had, for the first time, granted permission for Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against strategic targets on Russian territory. Additionally, the United Kingdom had also lifted restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

It was said that France had made a similar decision, though this information had not been officially confirmed. Now, however, the highest-ranking official in Germany has publicly announced it.

Such decisions may take the conflict to a new phase. The full and unrestricted use of long-range weapons by Ukraine threatens military and logistical points on Russian territory. This, in turn, is highly likely to provoke a strong reaction from Moscow.

This situation may lay the foundation for new tensions on the international political stage. For Kyiv, it clearly opens the door to strategic advantage and new military capabilities in defending itself.