German companies help Russia rebuild occupied Mariupol, — ARD.

At least two companies from Germany — Knauf and WKB Systems are supplying construction materials for use by Russia in occupied Mariupol, according to an investigation by the ARD TV program Monitor.

The authors of the investigation note that after the occupation of the completely destroyed city, its restoration “plays a vital role in Russia's propaganda war.” “When the Russian flag was raised over the destroyed buildings of Mariupol, the construction of a 'new' Mariupol began. A Russian city, with Russian residents, built on behalf of the Kremlin,” the publication says.

At the request of the editorial staff, Knauf stated that they condemn Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and comply with all EU sanctions against Russia, and that Knauf products manufactured in Russia are intended exclusively for the Russian market. According to ARD, Knauf currently has four thousand employees in Russia and makes billions of dollars in sales on the Russian market.

In addition, in photos and videos from construction sites in Mariupol, ARD journalists noticed concrete blocks in green packaging film with the name of the German company WKB Systems from the Münsterland region of North Rhine-Westphalia. Among other things, this company supplies concrete block production plants. WKB Systems did not respond to journalists' requests for comment.

The photo shows the ruins of the Mariupol Drama Theater, which was first destroyed and now being rebuilt by the Russians.