The German Minister of Defense arrived suddenly and unannounced in Ukraine

• Financial

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius today made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to reaffirm Berlin's support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian army. Germany is the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, and Pistorius's visit comes at a time when Ukraine is worried about waning support from its allies as they focus on the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.

"I am here again firstly to promise more help, but also to express our solidarity and our deep ties and our admiration for the brave fight that is being fought here," Pistorius said as he laid flowers in a square in central Kyiv.

Pistorius arrived in Kyiv by train and is scheduled to speak with his Ukrainian counterpart as well as President Volodymyr Zelensky. His visit comes at a time when Russian airstrikes on Ukraine are intensifying and Kyiv is preparing for increased Russian attacks on the country's energy installations during the winter.

Lloyd Austin was in Ukraine yesterday unannounced

This is Pistorius's second visit to Kyiv since he became defense minister at the beginning of the year, and it comes a day after the also unannounced visit of American Defense Minister Lloyd Austin to Ukraine.

Pistorius laid a wreath in the square where hundreds of people demonstrated for weeks ten years ago to demand democratic reforms, and during the day he is also scheduled to visit a military training center. After initial reluctance, Germany has significantly increased its support for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, and has supplied Kyiv with a large amount of weapons ranging from tanks and anti-aircraft defense systems to ammunition.

100 bilion euros

The war also prompted the German government to finance the strengthening of the German armed forces and Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that a fund of 100 billion euros would be set aside for this purpose.

Germany's support for Ukraine is vital to the country's ability to defend itself against the Russian invasion. Germany is the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, and its weapons and financial assistance have been essential to Ukraine's war effort.

Pistorius's visit to Kyiv is a welcome sign of Germany's continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. His visit comes at a time when Ukraine is facing a difficult winter, and Germany's support will be more important than ever in the months ahead.