War in Ukraine: German industrialist Rheinmetall wants to deliver heavy weapons to kyiv

A German Marder armored vehicle during a German army exercise on September 28, 2018 in Munster.

© FABIAN BIMMER/REUTERS

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The question of the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine continues to provoke debate in Germany.

The government is being criticized by kyiv, but also on the spot for being too cautious.

The export request presented by the Rheinmetall company and which must be approved by Berlin will force the German government to take a stand and to review its cautious position if necessary. 

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With our correspondent in Berlin

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The infantry fighting vehicle "Marder" - in French Martre - entered service in the Bundeswehr more than fifty years ago.

It has since been modernized several times and is still widely used by the German army where it is to be replaced by the Puma.

One hundred second-hand copies are with the manufacturer Rheinmetall, which has requested authorization from the government to export this material to Ukraine.

This would then be the first delivery of heavy German weapons to kyiv.

A government spokesman said yesterday the decision would be made "

". 

If Berlin gives its agreement, these vehicles will have to be repaired and could be delivered in three stages.

Twenty in after six weeks, others after six months and half after a year.

The sum of 150 million euros would cover the repair of equipment, ammunition and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. 

Berlin had pleaded next week for a barter to save time.

Eastern European countries would deliver heavy Soviet-made weapons that the Ukrainians know.

Germany would undertake to supply its neighbors with more modern equipment to replace that which they parted with. 

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