German chancellor promises to help Ukraine produce long-range weapons23 hours ago Share Save Rachel Hagan & Jessica Parker BBC News, in London and Berlin Share SaveAnadolu via Getty Images Germany's new chancellor (R) greeted Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin on WednesdayGermany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has told Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky that Berlin will help Kyiv produce long-range weapons to defend itself from Russian attack. However, Merz has since emphasised that a decision on lifting range restrictions was taken by Western allies months ago. The new chancellor is seeking to cut a far more assertive figure on support for Ukraine than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz. During his press conference with Zelensky, Merz promised Ukraine continued support for as long as necessary, warning Moscow that its refusal to take part in further peace talks would have "real consequences". On Wednesday, however, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow is indeed ready to hold a second round of peace talks with Kyiv.