“Housewives” and “Lego”: Rheinmetall says it respects Ukraine after CEO’s controversial remarks

German defence concern Rheinmetall has stated it has "the utmost respect" for Ukrainian weapons producers after its CEO Armin Papperger in contrast Ukrainian drones to "Lego bricks" made by "housewives with 3D printers".

Supply: Rheinmetall on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Particulars: The corporate acknowledged that it respects the efforts of Ukrainians in defending towards the Russian invasion, notably underneath circumstances of restricted assets.

"The revolutionary energy and the preventing spirit of the Ukrainian persons are an inspiration to us. We’re grateful to have the ability to assist Ukraine with the assets at our disposal," Rheinmetall tweeted.

The feedback adopted backlash over remarks made by Papperger. In a latest interview with The Atlantic, he touched on Ukrainian battlefield applied sciences. When the journalist talked about Ukrainian-made drones, Papperger dismissed any innovation and in contrast them to enjoying with Lego bricks.

"That is learn how to play with Legos. What’s the innovation of Ukraine? They don't have some technological breakthrough," he claimed, including that this was not the extent of expertise firms corresponding to Lockheed Martin, Basic Dynamics, or Rheinmetall.

When the journalist replied that Ukraine is the world's largest democratic drone-producing nation, the Rheinmetall CEO requested which firms particularly have been being referred to.

The dialogue then turned to Ukrainian defence firms Fireplace Level and Skyfall, which Papperger described as "housewives with 3D printers".

"It's Ukrainian housewives. They’ve 3-D printers within the kitchen they usually produce components for drones. This isn’t innovation," he stated.

Background:

• Final 12 months, Papperger stated he was prepared to take part in arming a attainable worldwide peacekeeping mission following the top of Russia's warfare towards Ukraine.
• The corporate has on a number of events provided Ukraine with weaponry of its personal manufacture. In October 2025, for instance, Rheinmetall introduced the switch of further Skyranger 35 air defence programs to Ukraine, which have been to be funded from proceeds from frozen Russian belongings.

Help Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!