Reuters. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday (October 25) for a surprise visit, his first since Feb. 24.
Steinmeier said in a statement to the press he wanted to send a sign of solidarity to the Ukrainians "especially now, in this phase of air attacks with drones, cruise missiles and rockets."
"My message to the Ukrainians is: 'Not only do we stand by your side, but we will continue to support Ukraine economically, politically and also militarily," he said.
Steinmeier said Germany was focusing on strengthening Ukraine's air defence as well as helping to repair destroyed infrastructure, such as power grids, water pipes and heating systems, as quickly as possible before winter arrives.
Steinmeier added, his trip would focus on helping to build bridges between German and Ukrainian communities.
Steinmeier had originally planned to visit Ukraine in April but Kyiv refused to welcome him then amid disquiet over his past support for a Western rapprochement with Russia. Kyiv and Berlin later patched up their disagreement.
Himself caught in an air raid warning and forced to take cover in a shelter, Steinmeier praised the "courage, the indomitability, the will for freedom and the bravery of the Ukrainians."
Speaking at a news conference alongside Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, Steinmeier also condemned Russia's 'irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."
