During a significant diplomatic meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Germany’s commitment to assist Ukraine in developing new long-range weapons capable of targeting locations deep within Russian territory. This declaration came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Berlin, shortly after Russia unleashed a wave of missile and drone assaults against Ukraine, marking one of the conflict’s most intense periods.
In a joint press conference, Merz stated that a memorandum of understanding was signed by both countries’ defense ministers regarding the production of these long-range weapons systems. However, specific technical details and the identities of the manufacturers remained undisclosed. Merz emphasized that there would be “no range restrictions,” enabling Ukraine to defend itself even against military targets beyond its own borders.
Zelensky’s trip follows his accusations that Russia is deliberately stalling peace negotiations, suggesting that Moscow is uninterested in ceasing its ongoing invasion. “They will constantly look for reasons not to end the war,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges faced in finding a resolution. Merz echoed these concerns, critiquing the recent airstrikes on Kyiv as exacerbating the conflict rather than fostering peace. He labeled these actions a “slap in the face” for those advocating for a ceasefire.
In response to Merz’s announcement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that such military support from Germany and its allies obstructs peace efforts. Meanwhile, Merz reiterated Germany’s commitment to preventing the resumption of Russian gas deliveries under the damaged Nord Stream pipelines, asserting that Germany will take all necessary measures to halt such actions.
Merz, who assumed office earlier in the month, has pledged robust support for Ukraine, though he maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity concerning specific weapons supplies. He envisioned the joint production of long-range weapons as the start of a new chapter in military-industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, highlighting its potential significance.
While acknowledging that other nations, including the UK and the US, have lifted range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, Merz announced that Ukraine could now target military positions within Russia. He noted that “with very few exceptions,” Ukraine had refrained from such practices until recently.
Germany’s defense ministry disclosed that the newly signed agreement for direct investments in long-range weapons production could result in a substantial number of these systems being created within the year, with some expected to be deployed in Ukrainian forces in mere weeks. It added that these systems have already been integrated into the Ukrainian military, thereby eliminating the need for additional training.
In addition to the long-range weaponry, Germany is also contributing ammunition, small arms, satellite communication tools, and medical equipment as part of a previously approved aid package amounting to five billion euros ($5.6 billion). This concerted effort underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
