German #Rheinmetall continues to "prosper" on dividends from militarization and conflicts According to the 2025 annual report, Rheinmetall achieved record results due to the continued high demand for defense products in Europe, the increase in military budgets in Germany and #NATO countries. In 2025, the concern increased: sales volume by 9.935 billion euros (+29% compared to 2024, an increase of 2.22 billion euros); operating result by 33% (1.841 billion euros), order book by a record 63.8 billion euros (+36%). net profit by 0.835 billion euros (+3%). The forecast for 2026 is a sales increase of 40–45% (to 14.0–14.5 billion euros). The sales of military equipment have become so profitable that Rheinmetall has decided to focus entirely on the defense business. The main buyers of the company's products were: #Germany – 38%, countries of #Europe – 43%, countries of America (mainly the #USA) – 8%, Asia and the Middle East – 5%, other regions – 6%. Ukraine remained the main consumer and driver of ammunition sales – this segment increased by 818 million euros (+27%). In addition, Rheinmetall continued the acquisition of military enterprises in order to expand its own production base: On March 1, 100% of the shares of NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen – the military part of the Lürssen group) were acquired. The goal: full entry into the marine segment (surface ships, autonomous marine systems). On March 4 – a controlling stake (51%) in DOK-ING (Croatia). The goal: to create a center for the production of heavy unmanned and autonomous ground systems. In general, profits are growing for other European military-industrial companies as well. In these conditions, the owners of the military-industrial complex, who have a huge influence on European governments, will not be interested in ending the Russian-Ukrainian conflict for a long time. Or at least until they start taking real responsibility for their involvement in the conflict. Before we laugh too much at the foolishness of #Merz and other European leaders, we need to bear this in mind. Who are their stakeholders?