German economy minister arrives in Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks

German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche has arrived in Kyiv amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

“Ukraine is facing its fourth winter at war, and Russia has intensified its attacks on the country’s energy supply, severely threatening electricity and heating during the winter,” Reuters quotes Reiche as saying upon her arrival in Kyiv.

She said that urgent assistance is needed to restore and secure Ukraine’s energy systems.

Reiche pledged to explore ways in which Germany could provide more targeted and effective support during her trip.

In addition to maintaining and rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the visit will also focus on expanding German–Ukrainian cooperation in the defence sector.

“Security policy is always also economic policy,” Reiche noted, emphasising her goal of bringing German and Ukrainian defence companies closer together.

Reiche’s visit comes as leaders gather in London for a “Coalition of the Willing” summit to coordinate additional military aid for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend and has urged European partners to supply long-range weapons after failing to secure a firm commitment from US President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, EU leaders meeting in Brussels on October 23, agreed in principle to finance Ukraine for the next two years and considered using frozen Russian assets to back a $163 billion (€140 billion) loan.

Zelenskyy has pressed for swift approval, stressing that the funds are vital to bolstering Ukraine’s defence and saving lives.

By Jeyhun Aghazada