Germany’s Unannounced Visit to Ukraine: Showing Support for Reconstruction and Fight Against Russian Invasion

On Thursday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to discuss post-war reconstruction and show support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian attacks on key Ukrainian infrastructure. During his visit, Habeck emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom, stating that the country is fighting for the values that define Europe.

Habeck, accompanied by a business delegation, will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and meet with Ukrainian officials to discuss emergency aid, business ties, and preparations for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin. The German economy ministry highlighted the need for comprehensive support for Ukraine, including assistance with resilient energy supply and reconstruction efforts, with an emphasis on private sector investment.

In addition to Germany’s support, Rheinmetall, a German defense giant, has announced plans to build an ammunition plant in Lithuania and set up factories in Ukraine to provide much-needed ammunition for the country to confront the Russian invasion. The World Bank estimates that the total cost of reconstruction in Ukraine, more than two years after the start of the war, is at least $486 billion. This highlights the scale of the challenges facing Ukraine and the importance of international support in its recovery efforts.