Trump is considering lifting all restrictions on Western weapons for Ukraine. Merz states that the restrictions were lifted months ago.

“All previously imposed restrictions – whether they have already been removed or not – are currently being reviewed because President Trump believes that the current status quo is not in our shared interest in forcing Russia to negotiate,” said one senior Western official.

The US president’s final decision on whether to punish Russia, as well as the next phase of support for Ukraine, will be discussed this week during meetings with German officials in Washington.

Washington military analyst Jorge Rivero noted: “The easing of restrictions will allow Kyiv to strike military facilities on Russian territory, including air bases from which Geran-2 drones and strategic bombers are launched, which systematically bomb Ukrainian cities. This change in policy could also give Ukrainian forces permission to strike Russian command centers and logistics routes deep in the Russian rear with precision weapons.” Such a development, he said, would complicate Russian operational planning.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified his statement and confirmed that Ukraine’s allies lifted all restrictions on the use of long-range weapons for Ukraine a few months ago and that Kyiv has the right to use them beyond its borders.