Zelensky: "Germany Passive and Cold Toward Us"... Direct Purchase of 35 Armored Vehicles

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Germany on the 10th (local time) for being passive in supporting Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.

In an interview with Belt am Sonntag on the same day, President Zelensky said, "Germany still does not play a leading role in supporting Ukraine in Europe," and pointed out, "They remain passive and cold towards us."

He said, "At first, Germany did not provide us with weapons and publicly stated that we could not become members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the European Union (EU)." He added, "However, the situation is changing," and explained, "I am confident about this."

According to Bild am Sonntag on the same day, Ukraine plans to directly purchase Marder armored vehicles from the German defense company Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall is scheduled to deliver 35 Marder armored vehicles to Ukraine by the end of this year.

These armored vehicles require refurbishment before being redeployed to the field. Andriy Melnyk, the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, criticized Bild am Sonntag, saying, "Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine continuing for 45 days, Berlin shows no sign of urgency."