Germany to Deliver Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine “Very Soon,” Merz Says
Germany will provide Ukraine with long-range missile systems “very soon,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a July 17 press conference in London. The announcement signals a shift in Berlin’s position on supplying Ukraine with deep-strike capabilities as Kyiv continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
“We are acting very specifically and very soon,” Merz said, confirming that plans are already being made for the deployment of the long-range weapons. He added that there would be no range restrictions on the systems to be delivered.
Merz did not specify which systems would be supplied or provide an exact delivery timeline. However, his statement marks a clear acceleration in Germany’s approach to supporting Ukraine’s military efforts, particularly in the realm of long-range strike capability — an area where Ukraine has long sought additional Western support.
The announcement comes amid continued debate in Germany over whether to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Merz reiterated that Ukraine would not be receiving the German-Swedish Taurus system. Instead, Berlin has opted to assist Kyiv in other ways, including the acquisition and delivery of long-range systems that can still contribute meaningfully to Ukraine’s battlefield effectiveness.
The statement follows comments made earlier by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who also ruled out providing Taurus missiles to Ukraine but emphasized Germany’s broader commitment to supporting the country militarily. The government has recently increased military aid packages and urged German defense manufacturers to expand production of essential equipment.
Merz’s comments were made alongside a broader discussion of NATO and European defense support for Ukraine, including increased air defense capacity and the coordination of weapons deliveries among allies. His statement on long-range weapons marks one of the clearest indications to date that Berlin is prepared to deepen its military support in more flexible ways, even as it maintains restrictions on certain high-profile systems like Taurus.
The issue of long-range strike capability has become increasingly urgent as Ukraine faces persistent Russian attacks on infrastructure and rear positions. While Ukraine has developed some of its own capabilities in this area, Western-supplied systems remain essential for countering Russian logistics and command centers far from the front line.
By committing to deliver long-range weapons without range limitations, Germany appears to be aligning more closely with Ukraine’s operational needs. The decision underscores a growing recognition in Berlin that helping Ukraine win on the battlefield requires more than defensive aid — it requires the tools to strike back.
