Ukraine to Get Untethered Missiles? Germany's Bold Move.

Germany Pledges Support to Ukraine with Long-Range Missile Development

In a significant move to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to assist Ukraine in developing its own long-range missile systems. This commitment aims to provide Kyiv with the means to defend itself without being constrained by Western-imposed limitations on target selection and usage.

During a joint press conference with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Merz stated that Germany would intensify cooperation with Ukraine to ensure its army possesses all necessary capabilities for successful defense. This includes enhancing domestic missile production.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• Germany will help Ukraine develop its own long-range missile systems.
• These missiles will be free of Western limitations on targets and usage.
• The aim is to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively, including against military targets outside its own territory.

This announcement comes amid concerns that some advanced weapon systems supplied by Western allies to Ukraine have been subject to restrictions. These restrictions are rooted in fears that strikes deep inside Russia could provoke retaliation and escalate the conflict, potentially drawing NATO into a larger European war.

Russia Responds with Peace Talk Invitation

Following Merz's pledge, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov extended an invitation to Ukraine for direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. Lavrov indicated that Russia would present a memorandum outlining its position on resolving the conflict's root causes and that the Russian delegation would again be headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

However, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that while Kyiv is not opposed to peace talks, it has yet to receive the promised memorandum from Russia. Umerov emphasized that further meetings would be unproductive without it.

Germany's Taurus Missile Question Remains

Despite the pledge to support Ukraine's missile development, Chancellor Merz remained non-committal regarding the supply of Germany's advanced Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. This decision has drawn criticism, with some lawmakers expressing disappointment.

Front-Line Fighting and Deep Strikes Continue

While diplomatic efforts are underway, fighting persists along the front lines. Both sides continue to conduct deep strikes, with Russia recently launching its largest drone attack of the war against Ukraine. In response, Ukraine is ramping up its domestic production of drones and missiles and seeking European investment in the manufacture of various advanced weapon systems.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia is mobilizing between 40,000 and 45,000 men every month, while Ukraine mobilizes between 25,000 and 27,000.

Zelenskyy Calls for Deeper Defense Cooperation

President Zelenskyy has called for increased defense cooperation across Europe and with Washington, emphasizing the need for sustained military funding and long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine's resilience. He also reiterated Ukraine's readiness to hold peace talks at the highest level, including a potential trilateral meeting with himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kremlin's Response

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed gratitude for Trump's mediation efforts but noted that significant nuances need to be discussed, which neither party can sacrifice due to national interests.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Enhanced Ukrainian Defense

Germany's commitment to helping Ukraine develop its own long-range missile systems represents a significant step towards empowering Ukraine to defend its sovereignty. While challenges remain, this collaboration could substantially enhance Ukraine's military capabilities in the face of ongoing conflict. The potential for peace talks remains uncertain, yet the focus on bolstering Ukraine's defense capacity underscores the international community's continued support for its fight for survival.

Tags: Ukraine, Germany, Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy, missile systems, Russia invasion, weapon supply, NATO, Kyiv, long-range

Source: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-germany-zelenskyy-merz-35c583e769bfd89eed738125802637ad