Germany Backs Ukraine Missile Production, Lifts Limits

Germany, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has committed to helping Ukraine develop and produce long-range missile systems without Western-imposed range restrictions, enabling strikes on Russian military targets inside Russia. This represents a major shift from the previous German administration, as Merz signed a memorandum with Ukraine for joint weapons production and prioritized military-industrial cooperation. Billions of euros in new German aid and financing, including support for Ukraine's Starlink communications, have also been pledged. The first German-supported long-range missile systems are expected to be deployed within weeks. The policy change comes amid Russia's heaviest air raids since 2022 and a stalled peace process, with both Merz and President Zelenskyy criticizing Russia's approach. The UN has also accused Russia of ongoing war crimes against civilians, while Germany's move aligns with broader European efforts to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons.