Dim Amor

The war in Ukraine stands on the brink of dramatic transformation with the approach of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's crucial visit to Berlin on Wednesday. The visit, during which Zelensky will meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to lead to a dramatic German announcement that will alter the balance of power in the war.

After months of deliberation and diplomatic tension, the assessment is crystallizing in the West that Germany is preparing to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles of the "Taurus" model—a step that President Zelensky has long advocated but which former Chancellor Olaf Scholz refused to implement. The long-awaited decision comes following the clear escalation in Russian attacks and Moscow's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

In a surprising statement at a media panel held ahead of the visit, Chancellor Merz clarified that Ukraine's main Western allies have removed restrictions on the range of Western weapons supplied to Kyiv. "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine—not by Britain, France, or by us. There are also no restrictions from the United States. This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example by attacking military positions within Russia. Until recently it could not do this, and apart from very few exceptions, it did not do so", Merz explained.

This decision does not come out of the blue. Already on April 13, even before his appointment was approved by the Bundestag, Merz announced the possibility of transferring the missiles to Kyiv in coordination with European partners. The issue was extensively discussed during the visit of leaders from Germany, Britain, France, and Poland to Kyiv on May 9, and since then the new European strategy has been taking shape.

The shift in German position gains additional weight when examining the fundamental difference between current policy and that of the previous administration. Britain and France have already supplied Ukrainians with long-range cruise missiles of the "Storm Shadow" model, which have been used lethally against Russian targets, while Germany under Scholz insisted on not supplying German missiles to Ukraine.

If Berlin indeed supplies the "Taurus" missiles to the Ukrainian army, along with lifting the ban on attacking targets with them within Russian territory, this would be a significant development in the course of the war. The missile has a range of 500 kilometers, far beyond the British cruise missiles and US-made ATACMS, and it would give Ukraine the capability to strike strategic targets even in Moscow and other central Russian cities.

This European move reflects a clear trend of increasing military support for Ukraine, but it comes at a complex time of great uncertainty regarding continued US military support. Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the American president has not approved new military aid packages for Ukraine and has not specified whether he intends to release the $3.85 billion already allocated by Congress to Kyiv.

The current situation shows that Ukrainians are being supplied with the last weapons packages promised by the Biden administration, but no new shipments are expected for the time being. It is unclear whether the White House will allow Ukraine to continue purchasing American weapons, and meanwhile this uncertainty itself encourages Russian President Vladimir Putin and instills confidence in him to continue attacks against Ukraine and intensify them.

Surprisingly, on June 26, 2025, President Trump presented an extremely sharp position against Putin through the Truth Social social network. In a message rare in its severity, Trump wrote: "I always had very good relations with Vladimir Putin from Russia, but something happened to him. He just went completely crazy! He is killing many people unnecessarily—and it's not just about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being fired at cities in Ukraine for no reason at all".

Trump continued and added: "I always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it, and maybe this is proving true—but if he acts this way, it will lead to Russia's downfall!". This statement marks a significant change in the American president's tone toward the Russian leader and may affect the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict.

However, Trump also directed criticism toward the Ukrainian president: "President Zelensky is not helping his country when he speaks the way he speaks. Everything that comes out of his mouth creates problems. I don't like it, and it must stop". Despite the criticism, Trump clarified his position on the war itself: "This is a war that would never have started if I had been president. This is Zelensky's, Putin's, and Biden's war—not Trump's. I'm just trying to extinguish the big and ugly flames that were ignited due to serious incompetence and hatred".

These statements come as Russia continues to escalate its attacks against Ukraine, including strikes on civilian and innocent targets. The harsh reality on the ground is generating growing international pressure to respond forcefully against Russian policy, while simultaneously placing the European Union before the challenge of filling the void created by uncertainty regarding continued American support.

Zelensky's visit to Berlin thus comes at a critical moment, when Germany may lead a coordinated European move that could change the course of the war. The supply of long-range "Taurus" missiles, together with lifting restrictions on their use against targets in Russia, could create a new reality in the conflict and allow Ukraine to adopt a more offensive approach.

The new security reality in which Russia finds itself testifies to a dramatic transformation in the strategic balance of power. Ukrainian drone attacks, penetrating deep into Russian territory and reaching the heart of Moscow, create an unprecedented situation of uncertainty for the Kremlin leadership.

If already at this stage, when Ukraine operates mainly through drones, Russia exposes such noticeable vulnerability, what will happen when more sophisticated missiles reach the capital city? This question troubles not only the Russian population but also the close circles of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Reports from various sources indicate that Putin is considering leaving Moscow and moving to his fortified compound in the Valdai region—a step that would attest to recognition of the severity of the security situation.

The Russian capital is no longer a safe stronghold for the country's leadership.

Russia, which initiated the war as the attacking nation, now finds itself in a defensive position not only in the Ukrainian arena but also within its own borders. This situation could lead to the end of this destructive war.

Photo: AP