German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed readiness to support Ukraine in developing its own long-range missile systems that would not be subject to Western restrictions on range and purpose as long as the Kyiv government seeks to counter a Russian invasion.
Some of the advanced weapons that Kyiv's Western allies have transferred to Ukraine over the course of the more than three-year conflict have come under pressure from range and targeting limitations.
The restrictions have become a political challenge, driven by fears that if the weapons end up on Russian soil, the Kremlin could retaliate against the supplier country and draw NATO into the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Mr Merz noted in Berlin, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, that under the enhanced cooperation agreement, Germany “intends to provide the Ukrainian army with all the necessary capabilities to successfully defend the country,” including the modernization of local missile production.
Germany is the second largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States.
“Ukraine will be able to fully ensure its own defense, including military targets outside its territory,” Mr. Merz said at a joint press conference.
The German leader's promise comes as recent months of intense US-led peace efforts have failed to produce significant breakthroughs and analysts say Russia is preparing for a major summer offensive.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington later on Wednesday.
Mr Merz declined to say whether Germany would supply Ukraine with the advanced Taurus long-range cruise missile, a long-standing request from Kyiv that Berlin has opposed.
Asked about Germany's offer to finance the production of long-range missiles in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move was an obstacle to a peace agreement.
Both Mr Merz and Mr Zelensky criticised the Kremlin's rejection of the unconditional ceasefire proposed by the US and accepted by Kiev, as well as its delay in responding to settlement proposals.
Last week, Mr Merz said Germany and other key allies would no longer place limits on the range of weapons they send to Ukraine, although he clarified that their use should be limited to Russian military targets.
Late last year, then-US President Joe Biden gave Ukraine permission to use US-supplied missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory.
This decision gave Ukraine the opportunity to use the army tactical missile system ATACMS against Russia.
In Berlin, Mr Zelensky called for closer defence cooperation across Europe and
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
