German Rheinmetall seeks Soltz approval to export heavy weapons to Ukraine

The German defense company Rheinmetall has requested approval for the export of 100 old Marder tanks to Ukraine, a defense source told Reuters on Monday, in a move that would be the first shipment of heavy weapons from Germany to Ukraine.

The company is seeking an export license for the vehicles in their current condition, with the aim of restoring them in the coming months before sending them to Ukraine, the source said, confirming an article in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Rheinmetall’s move will force Chancellor Olaf Solz to take a clear stance on whether heavy weapons can be shipped directly from Germany to Ukraine, as the Marder deal requires approval by the German-chaired National Security Council. chancellor.

Soltz is facing growing criticism at home and abroad for his reluctance to hand over heavy weapons, such as tanks and shells, to help Ukraine repel Russian attacks.

On their first visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion two months ago, the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense on Sunday pledged additional military assistance to Kyiv, including advanced weapons.

Ukraine’s calls for heavy weapons have intensified since Moscow shifted its attack to the eastern Donbass region, which is considered more suitable for tank battles than the areas around Kyiv, where much of the fighting has taken place until moment.