Washington, D.C. | May 28, 2025 – In a dramatic twist that could redefine the war in Ukraine, former President Donald Trump is “seriously considering” lifting all Biden-era restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American-supplied weapons, opening the door for Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
According to two senior Western officials speaking to the Kyiv Post, Trump is reviewing every limitation placed on Ukraine’s war effort, with a view toward unleashing a more aggressive, unrestrained counteroffensive aimed at pushing Moscow to the negotiating table.
“President [Trump] believes the current status quo no longer serves our shared goal of ending this war on favorable terms,” one official said. “Everything is on the table.”
A Turning Point in the War?
For over two years, Ukraine has been fighting with one hand tied behind its back facing relentless missile and drone strikes while being restricted from using advanced Western weapons to strike the very bases launching those attacks from inside Russia.
But that might be about to change.
This week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made headlines by dropping his country’s own range restrictions, declaring that Ukraine has “every right” to defend itself “by targeting military infrastructure in Russia.” The Kremlin swiftly called the move “dangerous” but the message was clear: the gloves are coming off.
Now, all eyes are on Washington, where German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will meet with U.S. officials, including Trump advisers, to coordinate the next phase of support for Ukraine. The possibility of synchronized, unrestricted military backing could be a watershed moment for Ukraine and a nightmare for Putin.
Trump vs. Putin: The Gloves Come Off
Trump’s latest comments have sent shockwaves through diplomatic channels. On Sunday, he blasted Putin on social media, calling him “absolutely crazy” and accusing him of “needlessly killing a lot of people.” The Kremlin dismissed the remarks as “emotional overload,” but they didn’t go unnoticed.
French President Emmanuel Macron added fuel to the fire, saying: “I hope Trump’s anger at Putin will translate into action.”
Whether that action means giving Ukraine the green light to take the fight directly to Russia remains to be seen but the momentum is building.
Strategic Earthquake: What Lifting the Ban Would Mean
Military experts say this potential shift could dramatically reshape the battlefield. For the first time, Ukraine would be empowered to strike:
- Russian air bases launching deadly drone strikes;
- Logistical hubs that fuel the Kremlin’s war machine;
- Command-and-control centers deep inside enemy territory.
“Removing these constraints could finally allow Ukraine to fight the war on its terms,” said Jorge Rivero, a Washington-based expert on the conflict.
“We’re talking about disrupting Russia’s war infrastructure at the root, breaking the supply lines, silencing launch sites, and throwing Moscow’s military planning into chaos.”
For two years, Russian forces have operated with near-impunity from within their own borders. That false sense of sanctuary could soon be shattered.
High Stakes, High Drama in D.C.
This week’s meetings in Washington could decide the trajectory of the war and possibly its endgame. Wadephul, speaking to German TV, warned: “Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants to continue the war. We cannot allow that.”
Western allies are reportedly crafting a new sanctions package aimed at tightening the noose on Russia’s economy, while simultaneously considering what many once thought unthinkable: giving Ukraine the long-range strike power to hit back hard.
A Defining Foreign Policy Moment for Trump
For Trump, this isn’t just about military strategy, it’s a defining moment for his foreign policy legacy. Known for shaking up conventional wisdom, he may now be poised to abandon Biden’s cautious approach in favor of bold, aggressive action.
Is this a risky escalation or a long-overdue reckoning?
One thing is certain: if Trump lifts the last of these restrictions, the war in Ukraine won’t just enter a new phase, it will enter a new dimension.
And for Vladimir Putin, it may be the first time he realizes the battlefield no longer stops at Russia’s border.
