Long-Range Missiles: Ukraine’s Game-Changer in the War
Recent reports confirm that Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have authorized Ukraine to use their long-range weapons to strike military targets inside Russia. This decision, affirmed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, marks a pivotal shift in the Russo-Ukrainian war. This article examines the background of this decision, its potential impact on the conflict, and the challenges and limitations that remain.
Background of the Decision
The authorization for Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons comes in response to intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and the need to disrupt Russia’s logistical and command capabilities. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Russia has used its territory as a safe haven for amassing resources, housing ammunition depots, command posts, and airfields used to launch strikes on Ukraine.
Previously, Western allies, particularly the U.S., restricted the use of their weapons for strikes beyond Ukraine’s borders, fearing escalation and NATO’s direct involvement. However, a shift in policy, noted in statements from November 2024 (e.g., Le Figaro reporting France and the UK’s approval for SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles) and confirmed in May 2025, reflects a growing recognition of the need to grant Ukraine greater operational freedom.
Chancellor Merz stated in May 2025 that the U.S., UK, France, and Germany lifted range restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use weapons like Taurus, SCALP/Storm Shadow, and potentially ATACMS to target military sites in Russia. This decision builds on ongoing discussions about neutralizing Russian threats from their own territory.
Opportunities Enabled by the Authorization
- Disrupting Russian Logistics: The permission enables Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) to target ammunition depots, fuel supplies, command centers, and airfields, disrupting Russia’s ability to sustain offensive operations.
- Strategic Pressure on Russia: Strikes deep inside Russian territory will force Russian command to reconsider resource and troop deployments, potentially weakening their frontline efforts.
- Precision Weaponry: Missiles like Taurus (up to 500 km range), SCALP/Storm Shadow (250–300 km), and ATACMS (up to 300 km) allow Ukraine to hit targets with high accuracy, minimizing collateral damage.
- Psychological Impact: Strikes on Russian soil could undermine the confidence of Russia’s military and populace, increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite the new opportunities, the authorization comes with constraints that may limit its effectiveness:
- Limited Arsenal: The supply of long-range missiles remains limited, and sustained operations require significant additional deliveries, which are not yet guaranteed.
- Political Caveats: Allies may insist that strikes target only military objectives, avoiding civilian infrastructure. This demands meticulous planning to comply with international law and avoid accusations of misuse.
- Risk of Escalation: Russia may retaliate with intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure or escalate hybrid operations against Western nations. The Kremlin could also exploit these strikes for domestic propaganda, framing them as NATO’s direct involvement.
- Internal Constraints in Ukraine: Some sources suggest potential political or bureaucratic obstacles within Ukraine that could hinder the full utilization of this authorization.
Strategic Implications
The permission to strike Russian territory marks a significant step in bolstering Ukraine’s position in the war. It shifts the AFU from a purely defensive stance to one capable of disrupting Russian operations proactively. However, maximizing this opportunity requires:
- Coordination with Allies: Ongoing dialogue with Western partners to align on targets, scope, and conditions for weapon use.
- Intelligence Support: Accurate targeting relies on high-quality intelligence, potentially provided by Western satellite systems and other means.
- Increased Supplies: Additional missile deliveries and air defense systems are critical to sustain operations and counter Russian retaliatory strikes.
Conclusion
The authorization to use Western long-range weapons against military targets in Russia is a major development in Ukraine’s defense efforts. It offers the potential to weaken Russia’s military machine but comes with challenges related to limited resources, political risks, and the need for precise execution. For Ukraine, this is an opportunity to alter the war’s dynamics, but success will depend on swift implementation, coordination with allies, and navigating the escalation risks posed by Russia.
