The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, confirmed that the decision to lift restrictions on the long-range weapons provided to Ukraine was made several months ago. According to him, this decision is an important step in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
This is reported by Finway
“My comments regarding the lifting of restrictions on the range of weapons by countries relate to a decision made several months ago”
Merz also noted that if the Russian side is not willing to accept mediation from the Vatican, it indicates Moscow’s unwillingness to reach an agreement on a ceasefire or to conclude a peace treaty.
Prolonged War and Its Consequences
At a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Turku, the Chancellor emphasized the likelihood of a prolonged conflict:
“Wars usually end due to economic or military exhaustion on one or both sides, and in this war, we are obviously still far from reaching that (situation)”
. Merz stated that Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States have lifted restrictions on the long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine.
“There are no longer any restrictions on the range for weapons supplied to Ukraine. Neither from the United Kingdom, nor from France, nor from us. There are none from the Americans either”
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Reaction of the Kremlin to the Decision of Western Partners
The Kremlin characterized this decision as “dangerous,” noting that it contradicts the aspirations for a political settlement. Analysts at ISW point out that Russia’s reaction to the lifting of restrictions is part of the Kremlin’s efforts to convince Western nations to cease military support for Ukraine.
Research shows that Russia’s only hope for success in the war in Ukraine lies in convincing the West to leave Ukraine unsupported, and the Kremlin fears the impact of further military assistance on the potential of Ukrainian forces. Allowing Ukraine to attack military targets in Russia jeopardizes Moscow’s ability to continue its campaign of long-range strikes on Ukraine, especially as Russia seeks to demoralize Ukrainian society,” the report states.