Ukraine tape: Russia: averted missile attack on Crimea +++ Rheinmetall will soon start maintenance of tanks

German armaments group Rheinmetall wants to start serving tanks in Ukraine in the coming days. “We will start the service this month,” said Armin Babberger, chief executive of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sunday newspaper. The first twelve employees from Ukraine have already started their training in Germany, and twelve more will be added. Germany supplies Leopard main battle tanks, among other things, to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Because battle wear and tear is high, regular maintenance is important.

The head of the Dusseldorf-based group also confirmed its intention to start production of tanks in Ukraine as soon as possible. “It can happen quickly,” he said, “there are enough well-equipped tank factories from the Soviet era.” The company wants to lease these vehicles and then manufacture them to NATO standard on one or two production lines. Ukraine must eventually become independent in arms production. “The West cannot settle all scores forever, and President Zelensky sees it that way too.”

Regarding the armament orders of the German armed forces, Papberger explained that high inflation also affects here. “If we sign a five-year contract today, we have to agree to compensate for inflation,” he told the newspaper. “Otherwise, we’d be left with additional costs of 40 percent at six percent annual inflation.”