Europe Lifts Range Limits on Ukraine Weapons, Kremlin Warns Danger

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany, along with other Western allies including Britain, France, and the United States, has lifted range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, enabling Kyiv to strike military targets inside Russia. This shift marks a departure from previous policies, such as those under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who avoided providing long-range missiles like the Taurus due to concerns over escalating tensions with Moscow. Merz emphasized continued military support for Ukraine, though he refrained from specifying details about future deliveries or confirming whether Germany would supply long-range Taurus missiles. The Kremlin condemned these moves as "dangerous" and counterproductive to efforts aimed at reaching a political settlement, warning that enhanced missile capabilities for Ukraine could escalate the conflict. Despite some ambiguity about the timing and exact nature of the policy change, Western leaders assert that removing range limits strengthens Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing hostilities. The development reflects broader international dynamics around military aid to Ukraine and Russia's strong opposition to such escalations.