Germany Reportedly Scraps Military Deal With Russia

Germany has reportedly scrapped a deal to provide a fully equipped training camp to Russian forces due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

The German daily “Sueddeutsche Zeitung” reported on August 4 that Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel "withdrew his authorization" for the $140 million contract involving the German defense group Rheinmetall.

The project had been halted in March following to Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region.

Moscow called the decision "unconstructive" and accused Berlin of acting under pressure from the United States.

German media said the military center, to be built in Russia's western Volga region, was scheduled to open later this year to train 30,000 soldiers a year.

The European Union has adopted economic sanctions against Russia, targetting its banking, defense, and energy sectors, in response to its actions in Ukraine.

Based on reporting by “Sueddeutsche Zeitung” and AFP