OREANDA-NEWS. Deputy Inspector General of the Bundeswehr - the Armed Forces of Germany - Markus Laubenthal opposed the supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine by Germany. He made such a statement on the ZDF TV channel.

He drew attention to the fact that the German Armed Forces needed weapons systems in order to control the armed forces and train new military personnel. In addition, Germany still needs Marder-type infantry fighting vehicles to fulfill various obligations, including within NATO, Laubenthal said.

According to him, the Marder BMP, which Ukraine requires, is used by the Bundeswehr to train the military, so they cannot simply be transferred to Kiev. “Then the Bundeswehr would have nothing left to send a contingent to the NATO rapid reaction force if they need support,” he warned.

In addition, in this case, Germany will no longer have the opportunity to participate in the battle group in Slovakia, as well as respond to unforeseen circumstances, said the deputy inspector general of the Bundeswehr. “In the end, this will significantly weaken the defense capability,” Laubenthal stated.

Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany is not in a position to help Ukraine with weapons for free.