The city council of Troisdorf, a German city, took a decisive position, blocking the plans of the large arms company Diehl Defense to expand local production, part of which was intended for supply to Ukraine. According to RBC-Ukraine, this situation arose due to disagreements between the city authorities and the arms giant.
The mayor of Troisdorf, rarely known for his involvement in international politics, became the figurehead of a public controversy after the statement of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who noted the great pressure on the country due to problems with ammunition in Europe.
Diehl Defence, whose plant in Troisdorf produces key components for missiles, including the IRIS-T air defense system, which are supplied to Ukraine, has come under a blockade by the city's authorities. The company's position threatens its future in the region.
Diehl Defence's purposeful attempts to acquire a plot of land in Troisdorf to expand production became attempts by the local authorities to take control of this urbanized space for other needs. The difference in opinion arose because of the requirements for large protective zones necessary for the safe production of ammunition and explosive devices.
Many members of the city council, in particular from the Greens and the left-wing Die Linke party, refused to support the alienation of a large area in the city center for the needs of the company, considering it dangerous and irresponsible. This caused outrage among defenders of Ukraine, who consider the mayor's position irresponsible, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Recently, Germany promised significant military aid to Ukraine and doubled funding for 2024. However, the blockade of weapons production in Troisdorf creates new challenges and questions about the arrival of the promised aid.
