German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that Germany could supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles, marking a potential shift from his predecessor’s stance on the weapons system.

Speaking to ZDF television following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz described the missile transfer as being “within the realm of possibility” when directly questioned about potential deliveries.

However, the chancellor outlined practical constraints that could delay any such transfer. According to Merz, the Taurus system requires several months of training for Ukrainian forces before deployment. He argued that weapons deliveries taking six months to a year “would not be useful for Ukraine today,” emphasizing the need for immediate military support.

Merz noted that Germany coordinates its weapons deliveries with European partners, several of whom have already provided Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The chancellor’s remarks suggest Germany may be moving toward alignment with allies who have already crossed the threshold on advanced weapons transfers.

After Merz became the Chancellor, Germany also lifted previous restrictions on the range of weapons it supplies to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to strike military targets deep inside Russia alongside allies.

Additionally, Germany announced a new military aid package worth 5 billion euros for Ukraine that includes an agreement between Berlin and Kyiv for financing Ukrainian-produced long-range weapons systems, air defense, and other military support.

A poll conducted in November 2024 for Germany’s ARD TV channel showed that 61% of Germans oppose supplying Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, while nearly a third support the idea. Regional differences are significant, with opposition strongest in eastern Germany (76%) compared to the west (56%), where support is also higher (34% vs. 19%). 

Merz has also repeatedly called on President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine and emphasized that the next move is up to Russia.

“It is in their hands, only in their hands, to end the war immediately,” he said. “What more can we do? Only Russia can end this war—by stopping the fighting,” he added. 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday, 26 May, that Western allies have removed all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in military support policy that could prove decisive in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Speaking during a discussion forum organized by public broadcaster WDR, Merz stated that neither Germany, Britain, France, nor the United States maintain limitations on the operational range of weapons provided to Ukrainian forces.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the US either,” the chancellor said.

This policy change enables Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory as part of its defensive operations.

Ukraine can now “defend itself, for example, by attacking military facilities in Russia,” Merz explained.

The chancellor argued that lifting these restrictions will make “the decisive difference in Ukraine’s warfare,” contending that “a country that can only oppose an attacker on its own territory is not defending itself adequately.” 

Merz emphasized a stark contrast in targeting practices between the warring nations.

“Russia attacks civilian targets completely ruthlessly, bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals and old people’s homes – Ukraine doesn’t do that,” Merz stated.

He stressed that Kyiv uses its weapons specifically against Russian military infrastructure rather than civilian targets.

The announcement follows Merz’s visit to Kyiv on 10 May alongside leaders from Britain, France, and Poland. According to the chancellor, this was one of the reasons for the joint diplomatic mission, during which he also announced that all future arms supply discussions with Ukraine would be kept confidential.

The visit was part of a “coalition of the willing,” a group of about 30 countries pledging security guarantees, including peacekeeping troops, for Ukraine in a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. 

On 14 May, Merz also emphasized the importance of full Western unity and rejected any “dictated peace” or subjugation of Ukraine by Russia. Earlier, in January 2025, Friedrich Merz argued that only a position of strength, not weakness or appeasement, could bring about an end to the war in Ukraine, criticizing any calls for premature negotiations or concessions to Russia.

Regarding Germany’s specific contributions, Merz had previously signaled his intention to reverse his predecessor Olaf Scholz’s ban on delivering Taurus cruise missiles, which are capable of striking targets at a 500-km (310 miles) range. However, the chancellor did not provide specific details about Taurus deployments in his Monday remarks.