France, May 30 -- Berlin is charting a new course in its European defence strategy as Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledges direct support for Ukraine's independent long-range missile development, in a break from Germany's post-war policy of non-intervention.

In a marked departure from Germany's stance on defence, Merz this week announced that Berlin will help Ukraine develop its own long-range missile systems - free from the restrictions that have limited Western-supplied weaponry.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, Merz declared that Germany would "strive to equip the Ukrainian army with all the capabilities that truly enable it to successfully defend the country".

This includes boosting domestic Ukraini...