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UKRAINE

Germany’s Bosch curbs Russia activities over military vehicle claims

The world's largest auto supplier Bosch said Friday it was halting deliveries of truck parts to Russian customers following Ukrainian claims that its components were found in Russian military vehicles.   

Germany's Bosch curbs Russia activities over military vehicle claims
A building belonging to Bosch. Photo: DPA

Der Spiegel weekly earlier reported that German authorities were probing possible export violations by Bosch, given that EU firms are barred from supplying Russia with “dual-use” goods that could be used for both civilian and military purposes.  

The export restrictions relate to sanctions imposed on Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea.    

“Due to indications that Bosch products — contrary to local contractual agreements — may have been used in non-civilian applications, we have stopped the delivery of truck components in Russia and to Russian customers,” Bosch said in a statement.    

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had on Sunday told a talk show on German broadcaster ARD that Ukrainian troops recently seized Russian infantry vehicles which contained components made by Bosch.    

Bosch said it took Kuleba’s allegation “very seriously” and had started a “comprehensive review” into the matter.    

The Stuttgart-based firm stressed however that it had not directly supplied any components to Russian military vehicle manufacturers.    

According to Spiegel, Germany’s economy ministry has asked local prosecutors to look into the claims.    

The ministry told AFP it did not comment on individual cases.    

But it added that as a rule, the ministry informed the relevant law enforcement agencies if it received information about possible sanctions violations.    

Russia has been hit with a barrage of Western sanctions since it invaded Ukraine last month, wreaking havoc on international supply chains and prompting many foreign firms to curb production in the country.    

Bosch said it had suspended work at several of its plants in Russia, which make automotive parts as well as consumer goods.

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UKRAINE

German economy minister makes unexpected visit to Ukraine

German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck unexpectedly arrived in Kyiv on Thursday to discuss post-war reconstruction and show support after Russian attacks on key Ukrainian infrastructure.

German economy minister makes unexpected visit to Ukraine

“This visit comes at a time when Ukraine needs all the support it can get in its fight for freedom,” Habeck told reporters in the Ukrainian capital.

“And it is a fight for freedom, that’s the important thing that the world, Europe and Germany mustn’t forget,” he said, adding that Ukraine was “fighting for the values that define Europe”.

The trip comes after Germany at the weekend announced it was sending an additional Patriot air defence system to Ukraine after pleas from Kyiv for its Western backer to urgently help foil Russian attacks.

Ukraine has said it is running out of weaponry to shoot down Russian missiles and drones as Moscow ramps up attacks on energy infrastructure.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday urged fellow EU leaders to urgently follow Berlin’s lead and send more air defence systems to Ukraine.

Habeck, who was accompanied by a business delegation on the trip, will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He will also meet with Ukrainian officials to discuss emergency aid and business ties as well as preparations for the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Berlin in June, the German economy ministry said in a statement.

“Comprehensive support for Ukraine also includes support for a resilient energy supply and reconstruction. Private sector investment is crucial for this to succeed,” Habeck was quoted as saying in the statement.

The World Bank has estimated the total cost of reconstruction facing Ukraine more than two years since the start of the war is at least $486 billion.

OPINION: Germany’s timid strategy risks both Ukraine’s defeat and more war in Europe

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