Ukraine's European Allies Lift Curbs On Long-Range Missiles After Russia's Record Barrage

Last Updated:May 27, 2025, 14:50 IST

Ukraine's defence allies had long been wary of the use of long-range missiles deep into Russia, in fear of an escalation of the three-year conflict.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's long-range missiles. (Reuters)

Ukraine’s European allies, including Germany, have lifted restrictions on Kyiv firing long-range missiles into Russia for the first time after Moscow’s record missile and drone barrage this week that struck several Ukrainian cities, including the capital.

This is a significant development as key allies of Ukraine had long been hesitant about the use of long-range missiles deep into Russia, despite Kyiv’s requests, over concerns of an escalation of the three-year-old conflict. Russia had earlier said that lifting such restrictions would mean war with NATO.

“There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine," CNN quoted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as saying at a European forum in Berlin on Monday. “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."

Russia’s invasion has shown no signs of stopping despite months of intense US-led efforts to secure a ceasefire and get traction for peace talks. Instead, Russia has intensified a bombing campaign by launching 900 drones between Friday and Sunday, according to officials.

On Sunday night, Russia launched its biggest drone attack of the 3-year war against Ukraine, firing 367 drones and missiles overnight, resulting in the deaths of 13 people overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the silence of America and “others" as he called for putting more pressure on Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Location :

Berlin, Germany

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News world Ukraine's European Allies Lift Curbs On Long-Range Missiles After Russia's Record Barrage