Moscow warns against lifting range restrictions on weapons sent to Ukraine
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, cautioned European nations supporting Kyiv that any move enabling Ukraine to acquire long-range military capabilities would carry notable risks. His remarks follow German Chancellor Friedrich merz’s comments about lifting range restrictions on weapons sent to Ukraine. A German official later clarified this did not signify a policy shift by Berlin.
“Such potential decisions, if implemented, would directly contradict our goal of achieving a political solution [to end the war],” Peskov stated, emphasizing these actions would be “extremely dangerous.” Merz had earlier pledged Germany’s full military support for Ukraine, noting the absence of range limitations now allows strikes on Russian territory.
“Until recently, Ukraine couldn’t conduct such operations—with few exceptions,” Merz added. Reuters reported in November 2023 that Washington authorized Kyiv to use US-made weapons against targets deep inside Russia.
In May 2024, French and german leaders asserted Ukraine’s right to strike Russian military sites with missiles launched from its own territory. A German official told Reuters this was “not new—our government never imposed range restrictions.”
The Bundestag elected Merz as chancellor on May 6. He denied his statements implied Berlin had supplied Kyiv with Taurus cruise missiles—a measure he previously advocated as opposition leader under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Germany no longer discloses specific weapon systems transferred to Ukraine. Sources indicate Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky may visit Berlin tommorow.
