Friedrich Merz: A Strong Supporter of Ukraine
1. No More Range Limits on German Weapons
As German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz has made it clear: there are no longer any range restrictions on German weapons supplied to Ukraine. This marks a turning point in policy, as it means that Ukrainian forces are now explicitly allowed to use German systems—such as artillery and missile launchers—against military targets inside Russian territory.
2. Backing for Taurus Cruise Missiles
Even before taking office, Merz was a vocal advocate for delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. He criticized former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s hesitancy and declared that Ukraine must be allowed to “fight with both hands.” Under Merz’s leadership, Germany’s defense spending has been expanded through a legislative package allowing defense investments to exceed 1% of GDP, in part to fund advanced weapons systems like Taurus.
3. European “Contact Group” Initiative
In 2024, Merz proposed a European Ukraine Contact Group—including Germany, France, the UK, Poland, and optionally Denmark. The aim was to ensure a coordinated European response to Ukraine’s defense needs, even if U.S. support were to waver. This initiative signaled Merz’s intent to reduce dependency on Washington and assert Europe’s strategic role in Ukraine’s future.
4. Joint Arms Production with Ukraine
In May 2025, Germany and Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and produce long-range weapons (up to 2,500 km range) inside Ukraine. Merz emphasized that the partnership would strengthen Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities while keeping Germany out of direct conflict. This cooperation marks a significant step toward building Ukraine’s military-industrial base.
5. Clear Condemnation of Russian War Crimes
Merz has consistently condemned Russia’s actions, describing attacks on Ukrainian civilians as “serious war crimes” and labeling them as “terror against the civilian population.” He has made multiple visits to Ukraine—including in December 2024 and February 2025—to express solidarity, assess damage to civilian infrastructure, and meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
🔍 Conclusion
Friedrich Merz has established himself as one of Europe’s strongest political backers of Ukraine. His key policies include:
- Removing restrictions on the use of German weapons
- Strong support for Taurus missile deliveries
- Pushing for European strategic autonomy through a Ukraine contact group
- Initiating long-term defense production partnerships with Kyiv
- Naming and condemning war crimes, backed by visible political solidarity
Merz sees Ukraine’s defense not just as a moral imperative, but as a strategic investment in European security.
