Flags on the Bundestag building in Berlin, Germany. File photoBERLIN, Apr 15Deutsche Vice-Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habek called for an increase in the quality and quantity of arms supplies to Kiev, but this issue should be discussed with partners in NATO and the EU.»My department is responsible for control over the export of industrial products — within this framework, we approved everything without delay and will also approve without delay in the future. So far this does not include heavy tanks or fighters,» Habek said in an interview with Funke media group. According to him, the intensification of hostilities implies an increase «the quantity and quality of arms deliveries». «But we are discussing this with our European and NATO partners,» the minister added. According to Habek, Germany is obliged to support Ukraine with weapons, but at the same time it should not itself become a target for attack. «As part of this, we are supplying everything possible,» the politician said. who expressed readiness to supply Kiev with Leopard 1 tanks, the vice-chancellor said that now this equipment is not ready for use, it may take several months to restore it. Earlier, the head of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, told Handelsblatt that the concern was ready to supply Kiev with up to 50 Leopard 1 tanks , as well as up to 60 Marder-type infantry fighting vehicles, the supply will require permission from the German government. Ukraine
