Ukraine’s unexpected offensive in Russia’s Kursk region has seen the use of German-supplied ‘Marder’ tanks, provoking a strong reaction from Moscow and reigniting debates in Germany.
In a surprising turn in the Ukraine war, Ukrainian forces have launched an offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, striking back across the border. Reports of heavy Russian losses have emerged, though independent verification remains elusive. The Kursk region, now under emergency status, has seen “massive explosions” at a military airfield, drawing the attention of the United States. The focus has also shifted to a nearby nuclear power plant, raising concerns about its safety.
One particular detail of the Ukrainian advance has stirred controversy not only in Russia but also in Germany: images circulating show German ‘Marder’ infantry fighting vehicles on Russian soil as part of the offensive. This has reignited debates over the use of Western-supplied weapons in the conflict.
Germany has supported Ukraine with weapons and ammunition since the start of Russia’s invasion, including the ‘Marder’ infantry fighting vehicles. Photos now show these vehicles in action during the operation in the Russian border region, with at least three ‘Marder’ tanks reportedly involved in the offensive.
Russia has reacted swiftly to the attacks, with President Vladimir Putin calling the operation a “provocation” in the Kursk region. His close ally, Dmitry Medvedev, has already threatened retaliation. Military expert Carlo Masala from the Bundeswehr University in Munich told the newspaper Bild that Putin is likely “furious” about the use of German weapons on Russian territory.
Debate in Germany over the use of ‘Marder’ tanks in Russia
The use of ‘Marder’ tanks in the Russian border region has sparked controversy in Germany. The German government had long resisted allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for attacks within Russian territory. However, the sight of ‘Marder’ tanks on Russian soil seems not to have significantly troubled government representatives or the CDU, the largest opposition party.
Marcus Faber, chairman of the Bundestag’s defense committee and a member of the FDP, sees no issue with Ukraine using German-supplied weapons in its current offensive. “With the transfer to Ukraine, they are Ukrainian weapons,” he told Funke Mediengruppe on Thursday. This applies “to all materials,” including the ‘Marder’ and the ‘Leopard 2’ battle tank.
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter also deemed the attacks “legitimate under international law” and agreed that the ‘Marders’ effectively belong to Ukraine since their transfer. Military expert Masala further pointed out that Kursk could be considered part of the Kharkiv border region, where NATO agreements permit the use of Western weapons outside Ukraine’s borders.
Opposition and concerns over escalation
However, there are dissenting views as well. Sahra Wagenknecht, whose new party BSW is gaining traction in the polls, criticized the use of ‘Marder’ tanks on Russian soil, claiming that Ukraine has “crossed another red line.” The key question remains: How will Vladimir Putin respond? Political scientist Masala believes that while Putin will view this as an affront, he is unlikely to escalate the situation further.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its offensive, targeting the occupied Crimean Peninsula, where the head of Ukraine’s intelligence services has identified two vulnerabilities.
