Gloria Blog

Germany will send armoured transport vehicles to Ukraine, but not battle tanks, as the wrangling over its military contributions continues. The country's defence ministry said its latest consignment would include two more Mars II rocket launchers and 50 Dingo armoured transport vehicles. Germany is also sending 200 missiles, Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said. Soviet-made BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles will “very quickly” head to Ukraine, from Greece, as a deal with Berlin to replenish Athens' stocks with the more modern Marder armoured vehicles is close, Ms Lambrecht said. Ukraine has repeatedly asked for the German-made Marders and Leopard tanks. But neither is included in the list of the latest armaments pledged by Germany. Berlin has argued that it will not “go it alone” on weapons deliveries, and Ms Lambrecht has pointed out that no other ally has transferred western-made battle tanks to Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been under pressure in recent days to sup...

McDonald's has announced that it plans to reopen restaurants in Ukraine, having closed them in March amid the conflict with Russia. The US fast-food company said that after extensive consultation with Ukrainian officials, suppliers and security specialists, and in consideration of employees’ request to return to work, it had decided to institute a phased plan to reopen some restaurants in Kyiv and western Ukraine, where other businesses have safely reopened. The company has continued to pay the salaries of more than 10,000 employees, and said that the reopening would "support a small but important sense" of normality. "And Ukrainian officials have advised that businesses resuming operations will support the local economy and the Ukrainian people," it said. McDonald's had 109 restaurants in Ukraine, but has not confirmed how many will reopen. It pulled out of Russia in May, after closing all 850 outlets in protest against the war in Ukraine. ​ READ MORE  : ht...