Why is Germany allowing Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia, and could this escalate into a larger conflict?

With Russia rejecting/redirecting every, single attempt by Western leaders to at least establish a 30-day ceasefire, it is obvious that Russia is the one favoring conflict over peaceful relations.

It was Putin who suggested peace talks in Istanbul, Zelenskyy who agreed to it and flew to Turkey, but it was Putin who failed to join him there.

Putin has made it clear that he does not respect diplomatic efforts, only military dominance. Thus, Russia has forced the hand of European leaders, like Germany’s Merz, to give Ukraine a free-hand with German weapons such as the Taurus missile.

If Russia really, really doesn’t want the Taurus missile launched into Russian territory, if Russia really wants to avoid WWIII, there is a childishly simple formula for preventing it: Russia should stop shooting. Agree to a ceasefire. Come to the negotiating table, and negotiate in good faith.

So, as long as Russia insists on continuing the conflict, and blowing up Ukrainian schools and hospitals, Russia makes it clear to the entire world that they are the one who is pushing us ever closer to WWIII, not Germany or Ukraine or anyone else. Just Russia.