Germany plans to send about 40 Marder armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine before the end of this year’s first quarter, according to government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit.

A Patriot anti-aircraft missile system from army stocks will also be delivered to Ukraine in the first quarter, he told reporters in Berlin.

"These 40 vehicles should be ready in the first quarter already so that they can be handed over to Ukraine." Hebestreit said.

"Training on the Marder vehicles will take place in Germany and last about eight weeks," he added.