Military Space News
WAR REPORT
German economy minister makes surprise visit to Kyiv
German economy minister makes surprise visit to Kyiv
by AFP Staff Writers
Frankfurt, Germany (AFP) April 18, 2024

German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck unexpectedly arrived in Kyiv Thursday to discuss post-war reconstruction and show support after Russian attacks on key Ukrainian infrastructure.

"This visit comes at a time when Ukraine needs all the support it can get in its fight for freedom," Habeck told reporters in the Ukrainian capital.

"And it is a fight for freedom, that's the important thing that the world, Europe and Germany mustn't forget," he said, adding that Ukraine was "fighting for the values that define Europe".

Germany at the weekend announced it was sending an additional Patriot air defence system to Ukraine after pleas from Kyiv for its Western backers to urgently help foil Russian attacks.

Ukraine has said it is running out of weaponry to counter Russian missiles and drones as Moscow ramps up attacks on energy infrastructure.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday urged fellow EU leaders to follow Berlin's lead and send more air defence systems to Ukraine.

In an interview with Focus magazine, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the German military was doing a lot to deliver weapons to Ukraine, giving the example of the extra Patriot system.

"We must increase deliveries directly from industry as well," he said.

He defended Scholz over his refusal to send Kyiv long-range Taurus missiles -- which Berlin fears could strike deep inside Russia -- saying that the chancellor has "initiated enormous support for Ukraine".

"One thing is certain: We are the world's second largest supporter of Ukraine, the largest in Europe, and by a clear margin," he said.

"We supply what Ukraine needs most urgently."

Habeck, who was accompanied by a business delegation in Ukraine, will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He will also meet with Ukrainian officials to discuss emergency aid and business ties as well as preparations for the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Berlin in June, the German economy ministry said.

"Comprehensive support for Ukraine also includes support for a resilient energy supply and reconstruction. Private sector investment is crucial for this to succeed," Habeck was quoted as saying in a ministry statement.

The World Bank has estimated the total cost of Ukraine's reconstruction, more than two years since the start of the war, is at least $486 billion.

Related Links
Space War News

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
WAR REPORT
China says 'lot of work to be done' before Ukraine peace summit takes place
Beijing (AFP) April 17, 2024
China said Wednesday that "a lot of work" would need to be done before a planned peace conference on the Ukraine war could take place in Switzerland, but did not say whether it would attend the meeting. China and Russia have ramped up economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts in recent years, with their strategic partnership only growing closer since the invasion of Ukraine. And while China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict and has even sought to play a mediator role, it has ... read more

WAR REPORT
EU disappoints Ukraine by failing to agree air defence deliveries

Ukraine has 'critical need' for air defence: NATO chief

West repelled strike on Israel -- why not Ukraine, asks Estonia PM

Jordan says won't become 'theatre of war' between Israel and Iran

WAR REPORT
Russian missile attacks kill 8 in Ukraine, damage residential building and railway

Russian missile barrage on Ukraine city kills 18

Hezbollah says launched new rocket barrage at Israeli-annexed Golan

Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon reopen airspace closed over Iran attack on Israel

WAR REPORT
China's Low-Altitude Economy Set for Rapid Expansion

Septentrio enhances drone navigation with advanced GNSS module integrations

Iran says drones shot down, 'no missile attack for now'

U.S. imposes sanctions on Iran drone program in response to Israel attack

WAR REPORT
Kratos and SES showcase new virtualized SATCOM system for US Army

Troposcatter Technology by Ultra I&C enhances global defense networks

ATLAS Integrates DoD antenna into Hybrid Space Architecture

Eutelsat and Intelsat forge $500M partnership to expand OneWeb constellation

WAR REPORT
PM Rishi Sunak to announce Britain's largest-ever military aid package for Ukraine

House passes $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan

US lawmakers pass new Ukraine aid after costly delay

G7 slams Chinese firms' military help for Russia

WAR REPORT
Conflicts push military spending to 'all-time high': report

UK aims to boost economic defences against security risks

In Scranton, aging US factory makes shells for Ukraine

EU chief demands 'European awakening' on defence

WAR REPORT
'China is the winner' in Maldives election

NATO, EU chiefs welcome US Ukraine aid; Blinken heads to China with message on Russia

Maldives votes in the shadow of India-China rivalry

Trump in Las Vegas: Loud promises to prevent global military conflict and strengthen the US

WAR REPORT
Researchers unveil novel technique for creating atomically thin nanoscrolls

MIT.nano equipment to accelerate innovation in "tough tech" sectors

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.