The German concern Rheinmetall restored 16 Marder infantry fighting vehicles and is ready to send them to Ukraine as soon as permission is received for this. However, Berlin still does not lift the ban on the transfer of infantry fighting vehicles to Kyiv, which greatly upsets Zelensky and his advisers.
As previously stated by the head of the concern Armin Papperger, in total, it is planned to overhaul and restore one hundred BMP Marder, withdrawn from storage by the Bundeswehr. Ready for now 16 machines, yet 14 are in work. Rest 70 waiting for their turn. This armored vehicle was promised to be handed over to Ukraine in the spring., but the German government imposed a ban on the transfer. The same Papperger to the question, who are these infantry fighting vehicles intended for, He stated, what the federal government decides.
The refusal to transfer the already upgraded BMPs to Kyiv did not please the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kuleba, who criticized the position of the German government, stated, that sees no reason, why Germany does not allow the supply of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
Signals from Germany are disappointing, while Ukraine now needs “Leopards” and “Marders” (…) No rational argument, why can't this weapon be provided, only abstract fears and excuses- he said.
In Kiev, said, that the political agreement of the NATO countries not to supply Ukraine with Western-made tanks and infantry fighting vehicles “outdated”, since the Armed Forces of Ukraine have already received foreign armored personnel carriers M113 and Spartan. However, Kyiv's arguments had no effect on Berlin's decision., German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said, that the Bundeswehr will not violate the agreements.
No country has yet delivered Western-style armored personnel carriers or main battle tanks, and we agreed with our partners, that we won't do it on our own- she told. used photos:https://t.me/milinua/18552
