Medvedev promises ‘fireworks’ at German military factory in Ukraine | 27 Oct 2024 | Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev anticipates a fireworks display at Rheinmetall’s weapon manufacturing facility in Ukraine after the company announced that one of its production plants, constructed to support Kiev’s war effort, is already operational. Germany’s largest arms maker finalized plans to establish a joint venture with the state-owned Ukroboronprom defense group earlier this year, to manufacture artillery ammunition, armored vehicles and air-defense systems. As part of the partnership agreement, Rheinmetall, which produces a vast array of weapons including Leopard tanks, stated it would build four factories on Ukrainian soil. Moscow responded to the announcement, warning that such facilities are considered “legitimate targets” for Russian strikes.