German-owned arms factory in Ukraine ‘a legitimate target’ – Kremlin

Moscow will treat the new Rheinmetall arms factory in Ukraine the same way it does all other defense facilities in the country, regardless of its ownership by Germany’s largest defense contractor, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced the opening of the factory on Saturday, which is set to be one of four in Ukraine. He explained that the new location will service infantry vehicles and tanks. The company also plans to build factories for producing gunpowder and air defense systems.

Peskov was asked to comment on the inauguration of the new facility and whether it would be a “legitimate target” for the Russian military. “Of course, yes,” the spokesman replied.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had also suggested over the weekend that the new Rheinmetall facility could be targeted by Russian forces, stating that he expects a “fireworks display” at the plant in the near future.

Meanwhile, Rheinmetall said earlier this year that its business had “significantly improved” since the start of the Ukraine conflict, with the industrial giant’s profits said to have nearly doubled in the first half of 2024.