The German private defense company Rhinemetal has sought permission from the German government to send heavy military equipment to Ukraine quickly in response to the ongoing Russian military operation. The German government has promised a speedy decision.
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Ukraine is rapidly appealing to its international allies for more heavy weapons and ammunition to counter Russia’s attack. Although several countries, including the United States, have responded to the call for further assistance to Ukraine’s military, Germany is still reluctant.
However, in the face of strong criticism at home and abroad, Chancellor Olaf Schultz’s government has promised a speedy decision. However, no deadline has been set in this case.
Germany’s Rhinemetal arms company says it can quickly supply Ukraine with 100 older Murder models. According to the rules, they can be sent only with the permission of the German National Security Council. As Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Schultz heads the council.
Permission was applied to the finance ministry last week, according to the De Velt newspaper. The newspaper claimed that the company could also send six old ‘Leopard’ tanks at the same time. Rainmetal, however, did not comment.
It should be noted that the German government has thus decided to provide financial assistance to Ukraine for the purchase of arms and military equipment directly from Germany. However, in the case of heavy weapons, there is no change in the rules of government permission.
Ukraine’s military is accustomed to using Soviet-era weapons and military equipment, and efforts are under way to send such equipment to the country from other sources, including Eastern Europe, in times of crisis. In this case, Germany has also pledged assistance to Ukraine through negotiations with countries like Slovenia.
In other words, if Slovenia supplies Ukraine with the necessary tanks, it will supply German tanks to the country as an alternative. The Rhinemetal Company has also offered training if it is allowed to supply tanks directly to Ukraine. The company will also be responsible for parts and repairs, the news agency DPA said.
According to the De Velt newspaper, another German company, Kraus Mafie Vegman, is also interested in supplying heavy military equipment to Ukraine. The company could hand over 100 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine with government permission. They can hit at a distance of up to 40 km.