
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared to walk back statements on Monday in which he previously claimed that all restrictions on Ukraine’s usage of Western-supplied missiles had been lifted.
Earlier that day, Merz stated that all previously imposed restrictions on Western-supplied missiles used by Ukraine to strike Russia had been lifted, and claimed that the decision was taken jointly with the U.K., France, and the U.S.
The remarks quickly attracted significant attention, including speculation that Germany was preparing to supply Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles.
However, later on Monday, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil contradicted Merz’s statement, saying there had been no change in policy regarding long-range strikes. “Regarding the range, I want to say again that there are no new agreements going beyond what the previous government did,” Klingbeil said.
By Tuesday, Merz offered clarification, saying that he was referring to decisions made earlier. “As far as I know and as I said yesterday, the countries that imposed range restrictions lifted them quite some time ago. So yesterday in Berlin I merely described what has been underway for a couple of months—namely, that Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives beyond its own territory against military targets on Russian soil,” Merz said.
The use of Western-supplied missiles to strike inside Russia has long been a controversial issue, with concerns that it could represent a significant escalation of the conflict.
Moscow has maintained that such strikes can only be executed with direct Western coordination and guidance, thereby constituting Western attacks on Russian territory. Russian officials have warned that such actions could potentially fall under Russia’s nuclear doctrine.
In November, former U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of U.S., British, and French missiles inside Russian territory. Russia responded by striking back with its Oreshnik missile system.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump posted on social media that if it weren’t for him, “really bad things” could be happening to Russia—a comment some observers interpreted as a veiled warning that he might soon authorize long-range strikes against Russian targets.