Baerbock arrives in Kyiv on unannounced visit

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit to say that the support provided to Ukraine will continue ahead of the coming winter.

Baerbock’s visit was not announced in advance due to security reasons. “Germany, together with many partners in the world, firmly stands by Ukraine,” the German foreign minister said in Kyiv.

The minister noted that Germany has recently expanded the so-called winter protection umbrella, allocating an additional €170 million for energy support to Ukraine.

The official also referred to Germany’s air defense initiative. “Every air defense system is important,” Baerbock said. She noted that Ukraine is “closer to the EU than ever.”