Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles, affirming Berlin's commitment to bolster Kyiv's defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

This announcement came during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on Wednesday.

Merz, who assumed office earlier this month, declared that discussions regarding the production of long-range weapons would proceed without the typical range limitations imposed by Western allies.

These weapons, particularly the Taurus missiles, possess a range of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) and could potentially target areas deep within Russian territory.

Although Merz did not explicitly name the Taurus missiles, he did confirm that a memorandum of understanding focused on long-range missile production would be signed between the German and Ukrainian defense ministers.

The German Chancellor emphasized that this initiative aims to enable Ukraine to fully defend itself and actively engage in its military strategy without geographical restrictions on the range of supplied weaponry.

The Kremlin has characterized such a shift in policy as dangerous, citing concerns that it could undermine diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Merz's administration is reportedly taking a more proactive approach to supporting Ukraine compared to the previous government led by Olaf Scholz.

Merz's visit with Zelensky marks a shift towards a more open and assertive dialogue, with both leaders expressing a determination to pursue military and diplomatic avenues to resolve the conflict.

In the backdrop of these discussions, Ukraine's military has reported increased hostilities, including substantial drone strikes on Russian targets.

Notably, Zelensky mentioned that Russian forces have amassed over 50,000 troops in the Sumy region, poised to invade further into Ukrainian territory.

The agreement also represents a pivotal development in German military policy, as Berlin seeks to establish a framework for future cooperation in producing military technologies on Ukrainian soil.

This collaboration is expected to include technical components necessary for Ukraine to manufacture long-range weapon systems, likely enhancing its defensive and offensive capabilities.

Additionally, Zelensky has called for comprehensive discussions to involve multiple leaders, including a proposal for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated that Moscow is open to further peace talks, although prior negotiations had yielded limited results, primarily agreeing on a prisoner exchange.

During this visit, Merz expressed a commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary, reflecting a significant shift in Germany's defense posture.

This strategic alliance signals Berlin's intent to bolster its role as a key ally to Ukraine, providing military and financial support amid escalating tensions in the region.

The meeting in Berlin is Merz's first with Zelensky since taking office, following a previous trip to Kyiv with other Western leaders to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

Their ongoing dialogues aim to navigate the complexities of the conflict while prioritizing the need for a peaceful resolution.