**Rheinmetall to Provide Ukraine with 20 More Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles**
German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received an order to supply Ukraine with 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles. The company announced this on December 17, stating that the delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2025.
The contract is valued in the tens of millions of euros and is funded by Germany. This new order brings the total number of combat vehicles transferred to Ukraine by Rheinmetall to around 200, including over a hundred Marder 1A3 models.
**Ukraine’s Defense Efforts**
The Marder 1A3 model features enhanced targeting capabilities through a laser rangefinder. The Ukrainian military has been using the Marder infantry fighting vehicles in their defense efforts against Russian forces.
In other news, NATO has taken over responsibility for coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine through its NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine center. This move is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defenses against Russia.
**Ukrainian Troops Surrounded**
According to DeepState‘s map, Ukrainian troops in Makarivka south of Velyka Novosilka have been almost surrounded by Russian forces. Analysts warn that the situation around Makarivka is becoming more critical as Russian troops continue their advances.
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