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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on his inaugural visit to Kyiv
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has arrived in Ukraine for an unannounced visit. Pistorius arrived in the capital Kyiv by train on Tuesday morning. Talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky were planned for the rest of the day.
With his visit, Pistorius wants to reaffirm Germany's support for Ukraine, according to his ministry. This is primarily about the training of Ukrainian soldiers and military aid. In addition to political talks, a wreath-laying ceremony on Maidan Square, where the pro-European protests began ten years ago, and a visit to a training facility of the Ukrainian military are also planned.
Increasing airstrikes
The visit of the Minister of Defence takes place against the backdrop of the recent increase in Russian air strikes in Ukraine. Kiev expects massive attacks on its energy supply infrastructure in the coming months, as it did last winter.
At the end of October, Germany delivered a third Iris T-SLM air defense system. Another is to follow as part of the German "winter package" for Ukraine.
It is Pistorius' second visit to Kyiv since taking office as defense minister. He was last in Kyiv in February. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also arrived in Kyiv on Monday for his second visit since the war began.
fin/dpa