German energy minister Reiche arrives in Ukraine for multi-day visit
Katherina Reiche (photo: bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de)
Germany's energy minister, Katherina Reiche, has arrived in Ukraine for a multi-day visit. She will hold a series of meetings to strengthen Ukraine's energy independence, Tagesschau reports.
According to the spokesperson for the German government, the primary focus of her multi-day trip will be on analyzing the necessary repairs and reconstruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, as well as expanding German-Ukrainian defense cooperation.
According to the ministry's statement, Russia has recently intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy supply ahead of the fourth winter of the war. This threatens the supply of electricity and heat during the winter.
Earlier, Reiche spoke about Putin's targeted attacks on the civilian population. Now, together with her team, she will study whether more specific assistance can be provided within the framework of the German-Ukrainian energy partnership, as well as the expansion of cooperation in the defense industry.
Assistance to Ukraine from Germany
Earlier, Germany's finance minister and vice chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, stated that Germany will participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine alongside its European partners. However, the negotiations are at an early stage and should be determined by Kyiv.
Klingbeil also noted that the Russian President Vladimir Putin should have no illusions that Germany's support for Ukraine might waver. According to him, ''Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany.''
Over the coming years, Germany will provide Ukraine with 9 billion euros annually.
