The issue of the range limit for German weapons being sent to Ukraine has been discussed for many years. The new German Chancellor, Fritjof von Merz, has now made it clear that Ukraine will in the future be able to use long-range missiles to attack Russian military targets. The Kremlin reacted quickly, warning that Germany would become a "direct party to the war."

In light of failed peace efforts and Russia's unwillingness to compromise with the EU, German Chancellor Fritjof von Merz announced that the range limit on arms deliveries to Ukraine had ended. He stated at the WDR Europe Forum in Berlin: "For weapons being delivered to Ukraine, whether by the UK, France, us, or the US, there are no longer any range restrictions."

Von Merz said these words with the aim of enabling Ukraine to have effective defense even beyond its borders. This particularly applies to attacks on Russia's interior military infrastructure.

Von Merz gives Ukraine the green light

Von Merz also stated that Russia is relentlessly attacking civilian targets and bombing cities. Ukraine is not doing this and should continue not to do so. "But a country that can only defend itself against an aggressor within its own territory cannot fully protect itself."

In this context, Von Merz mentioned his recent visit to Kyiv with French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Germany, France, the UK, and Poland are referred to as the "voluntary coalition."

Report by ARD

At the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the West did not supply long-range weapons to Ukraine due to its own reasons. Meanwhile, the UK and France provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles.

In Germany, the discussion mainly revolved around the Taurus cruise missile with a range of 500 kilometers. At the European forum, Von Merz did not explicitly mention the type of weapon, but the new federal government has clearly stated that, for strategic reasons, it will no longer provide detailed commentary on arms deliveries to Ukraine.

The longest-range weapon delivered by Germany so far is the Mars II rocket launcher, with a range of 84 kilometers. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 can hit targets up to 56 kilometers away. Last autumn, the German government approved unrestricted use of both weapon systems around Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine.

Aircraft equipped with the 500-kilometer-range Taurus missile

Von Merz's remarks have sparked different reactions in German politics. SPD Deputy Chancellor Christian Lindner stated at a press conference in Berlin: "Regarding the scope, I want to say that no new agreement goes beyond what the previous government did." Former Chancellor Scholz consistently advocated limiting the range of launched weapons.

SPD politician Stegerer told the "German Editors Network" (RND): "Individual exceptions make sense, but overall, I believe any escalation of the war is wrong." The statements made publicly by Von Merz were also "unhelpful."

German Chancellor and Defense Minister in Lithuania

Green Party representative Agnieszka Brugger welcomed this in RND, calling it "logical and something that should have been done long ago." She demanded that Ukraine now also receive the cruise missiles it requested, such as the Taurus cruise missile.

Left Party parliamentary group leader Sören Pellmann condemned Russia's "aggressive" war but also expressed concerns: "The delivery of more and heavier weapons does not end the war." The fact that the range of arms deliveries is no longer restricted may "lead to further escalation of the situation."

FDP Member of the European Parliament Marie-Agnès Zimmermann shared a post by Von Merz regarding range limitations on X and wrote: "I am very grateful for the decision made by the German Chancellor, which should have been made long ago."

BSW Alliance leader Sarah Wagenknecht criticized: "This could ultimately bring war to Germany."

Germany strengthens its air defense system

Russia strongly condemned Von Merz's remarks. The Kremlin stated that delivering long-range weapons would be a dangerous step. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated that delivering long-range weapons to Ukraine was "contrary to Moscow's efforts to seek political solutions."

German Foreign Minister Baerbock dismissed Russia's criticism. This CDU politician stated during a meeting with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Portas in Lisbon: "Russian President has repeatedly made requests and given him opportunities to sit at the negotiating table, but he refused."

Baerbock added: "We have always made it clear that such behavior would lead to consequences." Germany will continue to provide military support to Ukraine "so that it can defend itself and prevent the Russian aggressor from successfully continuing the war."

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Since Von Merz took office, Germany's military actions have been ongoing. Just as Von Merz gave the green light for Ukraine to launch long-range missiles at Russia, a document from the Federal Ministry of Defense revealed that the Federal Ministry of Defense should significantly invest in air defense systems, with priority given to integrated missile defense, medium and short-range air defense, and air defense. This is especially to counter approaching drones and drone swarms. According to Handelsblatt, all this is to contain one enemy.

German Defense Minister Pieschowius clearly stated in an interview with the Sunday Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: reintroducing compulsory conscription is also under consideration. The Von Merz government is now urgently drafting new conscription laws. This means that Germany may begin implementing the compulsory military service law as early as January 2026.

Meanwhile, Von Merz personally visited Lithuania to boost the morale of Germany's first overseas deployment. Starting in 2027, 5,000 German soldiers will be permanently stationed in Lithuania. Lithuania will become new territory for the German Federal Armed Forces. This is the first time since World War II that German troops have been stationed overseas.

This has caused many peace activists to worry: will Germany forget the lessons of World War II?

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508905128411136527/

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