No More Range Limits as Kyiv Gains the Green Light to Strike Inside Russia

In a landmark shift in European policy, the European Union has officially removed range limitations on weapons supplied to Ukraine, effectively granting Kyiv the capacity to strike targets deep within Russian territory. This decision, hailed by some as a strategic necessity and condemned by others as an escalation, marks a turning point in the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The Strategic Implications

Until recently, Western-supplied weapons to Ukraine were bound by strict guidelines to avoid direct strikes on Russian soil. The rationale was to prevent further escalation and to keep the conflict within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. However, ongoing Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure, and civilian targets — even far from the front lines — have pushed EU member states to reconsider their stance.

Removing range restrictions fundamentally changes the nature of the battlefield. Ukrainian forces can now target military bases, logistics hubs, fuel depots, and even airfields within Russia that have been used to launch attacks. It gives Ukraine a strategic depth previously denied, while signaling to the Kremlin that its rear is no longer untouchable.

Reactions from Moscow and the West

The Kremlin has condemned the EU’s move as a direct provocation and a dangerous precedent. Russian officials warn that such actions could widen the conflict and lead to “serious consequences” for Europe. Nevertheless, EU leaders argue that the change reflects a defensive necessity and a logical evolution in light of Russia’s persistent aggression.

From Washington, reactions have been more cautious. While the United States remains the largest military supporter of Ukraine, it has been slower to approve long-range strikes against Russian territory. The EU’s decision could pressure NATO and the U.S. to align policies or risk fragmentation in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine.

Ukrainian Military Strategy Evolves

For Ukrainian military planners, this new flexibility opens operational options not previously available. Long-range missile systems, such as the French SCALP, British Storm Shadow, and German Taurus — if deployed — can now reach command centers and supply chains hundreds of kilometers inside Russia. These strikes aim not only to degrade Russian capabilities but also to disrupt morale and planning.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the change, emphasizing that the right to defend the country “includes the ability to eliminate threats at their source.” Analysts note that precision strikes, when used strategically, can shift the momentum of the war by reducing Russia’s ability to sustain prolonged operations.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Conflict

With the removal of range limitations, the war in Ukraine enters a new and potentially more volatile phase. While Kyiv gains powerful new tools to defend itself and counter Russian aggression, the risks of escalation are real. The coming months will test not only Ukraine’s military strategy but also the unity and resolve of its Western allies. One thing is certain: the conflict’s center of gravity has moved, and the rules of engagement are evolving in real time.