German defence minister arrives in Kyiv on unannounced visit
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on the morning of 14 January.
"It is important for me to show with this trip that we continue to actively support Ukraine. This is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, stands by Ukraine. Not alone, but together with the Group of Five and many other allies," Pistorius said, as quoted by German media outlet DW.
Pistorius said he would like to discuss further military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression with the Ukrainian government.
The day before, Pistorius held talks in Warsaw with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy and the United Kingdom on further assistance to Kyiv. He said that Germany, along with four major European partners, intends to step up efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defence industry.
Meanwhile, Pistorius has said that the first new RCH 155 wheeled howitzer was being delivered to Ukraine to strengthen its artillery. The first six of these systems will initially remain in Germany and be used for training Ukrainian soldiers.