Germany says halts Rheinmetall defence deal with Russia

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Economy Ministry has confirmed it has halted Rheinmetall's export of combat simulation gear to Russia, going beyond recently imposed EU sanctions which block future defence contracts.Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a Social Democrat (SPD), has blocked the deal which was approved by Germany's previous government, the ministry said.

"I can confirm that in the light of the EU sanctions, permission to export a combat training centre has been revoked," a spokesman said.