German Economy Minister Katerina Reiche arrived in Kiev today to highlight Berlin’s efforts to help Ukraine repair damage to its energy infrastructure after recent Russian attacks caused severe problems in the country’s electricity grid.

“Ukraine is facing its fourth wartime winter, and Russia is currently intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian energy supply infrastructure, putting serious risk the supply of electricity and heating in winter”, Reiche said from Kiev, where she arrived accompanied by businessmen.

The German minister’s visit comes as Ukraine faces mounting energy problems, including prolonged blackouts at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.

As Reiche pointed out, Kiev is necessary to receive emergency assistance for her reconstruction and the ensuring energy supplywhile she pledged during her visit to Ukraine to examine how Germany can offer specific and better support in this direction.

In addition to maintaining and restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, during her visit Reiche will also focus on strengthening Kyiv-Berlin cooperation in the defense sector.

“Security policy is always also economic policy”, Reiche emphasized while adding that she intends to brings the defense companies of the two countries closer together.