Advertisement

Germany halts arms sales to Russia

The Local Germany
The Local Germany - [email protected]
Germany halts arms sales to Russia
Russian troops surround a Ukrainian base in Crimea. Photo: DPA

Germany has stopped selling arms to Russia due to the current “political situation”, according to reports on Thursday. The sale of military equipment to Russia by German firms has been criticized by the country’s Nato allies.

Advertisement

As reported by The Local on Wednesday, Germany granted 450 arms export licenses to Russia for military equipment worth €40 million in 2012.

But in response to a parliamentary question by the Green Party, the Economics Ministry said it had now stopped granting any permits, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Thursday.

“Due to the current political situation no permits for the export of arms to Russia are currently being granted," the answer stated.

It added the government had conducted a review into export permits it had already issued. It said that in “critical cases” it would ensure that the goods would not be exported.

According to the Süddeutsche, this included 69 permits for military equipment worth €5.18 million as of April 8th.

In March, Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel suspended a deal between German firm Rheinmetall and the Russian government to build a military training facility in southern Russia which was due to be completed this year. 

The sale of arms to Russia has particularly upset the US in light of the crisis in Ukraine between Russia and Nato.

"People are pissed," one US intelligence official told The Daily Beast on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: Germany warns of war in Europe

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also