German Finance Minister arrives in Kyiv on unannounced visit

German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should understand that Germany's support for Ukraine is not weakening, Reuters has reports.

"Putin should have no illusions that Germany's support for Ukraine can falter," Klingbeil said.

"On the contrary: we remain Ukraine's second-largest supporter in the world and the largest in Europe. Ukraine can continue to count on Germany," he added.

Klingbeil called on Putin to show interest in the peace process in Europe's bloodiest war in 80 years, which began in February 2022. He noted that Ukraine should participate in the negotiations, and a lasting peace requires a ceasefire and reliable security guarantees. "To this end, we are coordinating closely at the international level," the minister said.