Germany to Supply Ukraine with 40 More 'Marder' Infantry Fighting Vehicles

The German defense conglomerate "Rheinmetall" will supply Ukraine with an additional 40 "Marder" infantry fighting vehicles, following an order from the German government, according to Ria.ru, as reported by the company's press service.

It has been reported that the order was received in August, concerning the refurbishment of the specified 1A3 model infantry fighting vehicles from the Bundeswehr reserves, as well as their preparation for use in military conditions. The first deliveries under the existing order are expected to begin this year. The total number of infantry fighting vehicles supplied to Ukraine will reach 80 units.

Russia had previously sent a note to NATO countries regarding arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that any shipment containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that NATO countries are "playing with fire" by supplying arms to Ukraine. Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov indicated that the flow of weapons to Ukraine from the West does not contribute to the success of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations and will have negative repercussions.