In the next weeks, Germany will provide Ukraine with approximately 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles as part of a new phase of coordinated support with the United States, according to a government spokesman.
Thursday, US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that both countries will send heavily armed infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine to assist in repelling the Russian invasion.
They stated that the United States will provide Bradleys, which are typically equipped with a 25 mm autocannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and anti-tank missiles, while Germany will deploy Marders.
Additionally, the EU and Hungary reach an agreement for 18 billion in Ukraine aid.
Friday, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated that approximately 40 Marders, or enough to outfit a battalion, will be supplied.
“These 40 vehicles are scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine in the first quarter,” he added, adding that Ukrainian soldiers will receive training in Germany on how to operate the vehicles.
The Ukraine has long advocated for offensive-capable armaments, such as tanks, that are more powerful. Western governments have been hesitant to send them out of concern that they will get sucked into the conflict or provoke Russia.
However, the Ukrainians have gained momentum and Western governments have increased the variety of armaments delivered.
Additionally, the US has approved a $180 million sale of anti-tank weapons to Taiwan.
The US and Germany made the statement a day after France committed to send AMX-10 RC light tanks, which are wheeled rather than tracked but have the larger armament typically associated with tanks.
Germany has stated that it will provide a state-of-the-art Patriot missile air defense system to Ukraine in tandem with the United States.
© Agence France-Presse
»Germany and the United States will ship 40 armored trucks to Ukraine«