In a heartfelt show of solidarity, Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has promised to help Ukraine build its own long-range missiles to fend off Russia’s ongoing invasion. Standing side by side with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, Merz made it clear he’s ready to ramp up support for Kyiv, marking a shift from the cautious approach of his predecessor. With the war dragging into its fourth year and Russia’s attacks intensifying, this pledge is a lifeline for Ukraine—and a signal to Moscow that Europe’s resolve isn’t wavering. Here’s what this means for Ukraine, Germany, and the broader conflict.
On May 28, Merz announced that Germany and Ukraine will team up to develop and produce long-range missiles, with no limits on their range or targets. “Our defense ministers are signing a deal today to kickstart this collaboration,” Merz said during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, his voice firm but warm. “Ukraine will be able to defend itself, even against military targets beyond its borders.” The agreement focuses on industrial cooperation, with production happening in both countries. Zelenskyy chimed in, saying the partnership will also boost Ukraine’s drone and other weapons manufacturing, giving his war-torn nation a stronger edge.
This move is a big deal. Unlike the U.S.-supplied ATACMS or Britain’s Storm Shadow missiles, which came with range restrictions until recently, these Ukrainian-made missiles will face no such limits. Merz’s pledge comes after he declared earlier this week that Germany, alongside the U.S., UK, and France, has lifted all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Kyiv. “A country that can only fight on its own soil isn’t truly defending itself,” he said, emphasizing Ukraine’s need to strike Russian military targets deep behind the front lines. The Taurus missile, Germany’s 500km-range cruise missile, wasn’t mentioned explicitly, but Merz’s history of supporting its delivery has sparked speculation.
For Ukrainians like Olena Petrova, a teacher in Kharkiv, this news brings a flicker of hope amid relentless Russian drone and missile strikes. “We’re exhausted, but knowing Germany’s helping us fight back means everything,” she said. Russia’s recent attacks, including a massive drone assault on Sunday and a strike on Kharkiv overnight, have killed dozens and left cities in ruins. Zelenskyy noted Russia’s mobilizing 45,000 troops a month, dwarfing Ukraine’s 25,000, making advanced weaponry a desperate need.
Merz’s approach is a stark contrast to former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who balked at sending Taurus missiles, fearing it could drag Germany into the war. Merz, in office just weeks, is leaning into “strategic ambiguity,” refusing to spill details on specific weapons to keep Moscow guessing. “We’re not here to tip off Putin,” he quipped last week. This shift has won praise from allies but drawn fire from the Kremlin, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calling it “direct war involvement” and warning of historical parallels to Germany’s past.
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The timing is critical. U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for peace talks has faltered, with Russia stalling on a promised peace memorandum. Trump, frustrated after a Russian strike killed 13 Ukrainians, including kids, called Putin “crazy” but faces skepticism from Moscow, which claims he doesn’t grasp the conflict’s context. Zelenskyy’s ready for talks—“Trump, Putin, me,” he said—but insists on concrete steps, not empty promises. Merz’s pledge, alongside Europe’s broader pressure, like blocking Nord Stream 2, aims to force Russia to the table.
For Merz, it’s personal too. He’s vowed to lead boldly, visiting Kyiv days after taking office and promising support “as long as it takes.” But it’s not without risks—Germany’s coalition is divided, and some worry about escalating tensions with a nuclear-armed Russia. Still, Merz’s commitment is a beacon for Ukraine, offering not just weapons but a chance to stand taller against a relentless foe. As Olena put it, “This isn’t just about missiles—it’s about believing we can survive.” Check Germany’s government site or Ukraine’s defense ministry updates for more on this evolving partnership.
