German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kiev on an unannounced visit to reaffirm Berlin's support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian troops.
Berlin, Kiev's second-largest military aid provider after the United States, has been trying to offer guarantees on aid to Ukraine after a shift in focus to the war in the Middle East raised concerns about waning support for Kiev.
It is Pistorius' second visit to Kiev since he became defense minister earlier this year, and comes a day after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also visited Ukraine to underscore Washington's continued support.
"I am here again, firstly, to pledge further support, but also to express our solidarity and deep connection, and our admiration for the brave, courageous and costly battle that is being fought here," Pistorius said, laying flowers on Maidan Square in the center of Kyiv.
Pistorius arrived by train and will hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart as well as President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The visit comes after an increase in Russian airstrikes against Ukraine and as Kiev prepares for an expected increase in strikes on the country's energy facilities in the coming winter months.
As well as a wreath-laying ceremony in Kiev's Maidan Square, where thousands joined pro-democracy protests a decade ago, Pistorius will inspect a military training centre.
After some initial hesitation, Germany dramatically increased its support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion and supplied Kiev with a vast array of weaponry, ranging from main battle tanks to air defense systems and ammunition.
The conflict also prompted the government in Berlin to launch a sweeping reform of the country's military, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz announcing a 100 billion euro fund to strengthen the armed forces. Scholz pledged last month that Germany would maintain its aid to Kiev, noting: "We will support Ukraine as long as necessary." /BGNES
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