Ukraine’s European allies have lifted any restrictions on the country firing long-range missiles against Russia after the latter’s massive drone attack over the weekend.
Russia launched around 900 drones between Friday and Sunday, making it the largest drone strike by the country in the three-year history of the war, according to reports. The vast bombing campaign comes after U.S.-led efforts last week to reach a ceasefire between the two countries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the policy change to support the long-range missile strikes during a European forum on Monday in Berlin, CNN reported. It is the first time Europe has supported Ukraine’s authorized use of such weapons since the war began in February 2022.
“There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine,” Merz said. “Neither from the British, nor from the French, nor from us. Nor by the Americans.”
“In other words, Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia, for example,” the German Chancellor said.
Merz’s decision is a significant change in position from his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who, for over three years, refused to authorize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to use long-range missiles as part of his country’s defense against Russia. Merz won the election for German Chancellor on May 6, 2025.
Russia has steadily increased its drone attacks against Ukraine in the last two months. There was a drone attack on Palm Sunday on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed 30, followed by numerous massive bombing campaigns throughout the country. The attacks have come as the Trump administration has sought to broker a peace deal between the countries and put an end to the fighting.
The most recent attacks have angered President Donald Trump, who said that Putin has gone “crazy” and “needlessly killing a lot of people.”
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,” Trump said. “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Previously, the Kremlin had warned that authorizing Ukraine to use long-range weapons would be considered an act of war.
TRUMP FURIOUS OVER PUTIN’S DEADLY STRIKES ON KYIV
Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly blasted Merz’s statement, categorizing it as “dangerous” and opposing any efforts to achieve a peace agreement.
“If such decisions are made, they will absolutely go against our aspirations to reach a political settlement and the efforts being made within the framework of the settlement,” said Peskov. “This is a rather dangerous decision.”