Environmentalists target weapons manufacturers - Does Rheinmetall fail to deliver for Ukraine?
Sebastian Schäfer, a German defense expert who is also a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has recently returned from a week-long trip to Kiev with fellow politicians from the SPD and FDP. During his visit, he spoke with military leaders, ministers, and arms suppliers about their needs and concerns.
Now, Schäfer is expressing his dismay at the lack of support from key German arms manufacturers like Rheinmetall. Specifically, he claims that the company is failing to provide the necessary assistance in terms of tank maintenance and ammunition production.
Schäfer's criticism is directed at Rheinmetall's CEO, Armin Papperger, who he believes is more concerned with maintaining the company's share price than aiding Ukraine. Papperger has made promises of building an ammunition factory in Ukraine, but Schäfer believes these promises have yet to materialize. "Instead, Rheinmetall is taking advantage of the shortage of artillery ammunition and enforcing high prices," he says.
The situation with the tank manufacturer KMW, which produces the Leopard 2, is similar, according to Schäfer. He states that if KMW were to share their technical drawings for a tank wheel, Ukraine could manufacture them locally and enjoy greater spare parts availability and faster repair times.
Urging German defense companies to take action, Schäfer says, "We need our defense industry to back up their promises with tangible assistance. Production, not just announcements, should be the focus."
Both Rheinmetall and KMW have yet to respond to requests for comment on these allegations.
Schäfer acknowledges the incredible commitment of the Ukrainians, who are working tirelessly in twelve-hour shifts day and night to manufacture crucial equipment for their defense efforts.
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Source: symclub.org
