No limits on long-range weapons for Ukraine, military support to increase, Merz says

He made the announcement at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Merz has announced that today the defense ministers of Germany and Ukraine will sign a declaration of intent regarding the acquisition of long-range systems produced in Ukraine. 

“There will be no restrictions on long-range weapons — Ukraine will be able to fully defend itself and strike military targets beyond its territory. I won’t go into the details of our support, but assistance will be expanded,” the German chancellor emphasized.

However, Merz did not mention providing Ukraine with German Taurus missiles.

He has also announced that at the end of the year, Ukraine and Germany will hold intergovernmental consultations for the first time in many years. According to Merz, the war has changed the relationship between the two countries not only at the societal level but also at the governmental level.

“Almost all ministers of the federal government are now closely cooperating with their Ukrainian counterparts. And we will expand this cooperation... In 2025, we will continue to support Ukraine. I also hope that in 2026, funds will be allocated as well,” Merz emphasized.

He stressed that no one wants peace more than Ukraine.

“Kyiv has been ready for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire for several weeks. The government in Kyiv — Ukraine — is ready to take the next step and hold technical negotiations with Russia. It does not matter where these talks take place — whether in the Vatican, in Geneva, or perhaps another city. And I know there is unity among our partners in Paris, London, Warsaw, Rome, Helsinki, and Brussels — and in many other European countries and cities,” the German chancellor said.

• Germany’s CDU/CSU ruling bloc is increasingly calling for Ukraine to be provided with long-range Taurus missiles.