Rheinmetall Military Factory in Ukraine

MOSCOW (Reuters) – A military factory of German concern Rheinmetall, which opened in Ukraine in late October, could become a target for Russian attacks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

When asked about the plant, Peskov stated it would 'of course' be a legitimate target.

Rheinmetall responded that it was not the first such threat from Moscow, assuring that their operations in Ukraine were well protected. The company announced in July 2024 plans to open four military factories in Ukraine.

The first factory aims to produce a batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by year-end, according to the head of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, who spoke to Ukrainian media.

Papperger also mentioned plans for a second plant soon, including a gunpowder factory, a tank ammunition plant, and air defense systems production.

In late July, Andrei Nastasin, deputy spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, reiterated that Rheinmetall's potential facilities would be a 'legitimate target' for the Russian army.