German economy minister visits Kyiv to assess Ukraine’s energy infrastructure needs

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck arrived in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on a working visit. A business delegation accompanied him.

Tagesschau reports this.

Habeck arrived in the Ukrainian capital with a delegation that included representatives of the defense industry and Germany's energy sector "to once again see on the spot what kind of support the energy infrastructure needs."

"In addition to the front line and military facilities, Putin is also targeting the civilian population. The Ukrainians impressed me last time with how they can improvise and quickly repair their infrastructure again and again," Habeck said after he arrived in Kyiv.

Habeck added that Ukraine, in the war waged against it, is fighting for its self-determination and the values that unite Europe.

Photo: DW

The trip will primarily focus on:

• recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure;
• providing emergency assistance;
• strengthening the Ukrainian economy;
• developing economic relations with Germany.

During his visit, the Minister of Economy also wants to prepare a conference in June on the restoration of Ukraine in Berlin.

Upon arriving in Kyiv, Habeck stated that the trip took place at a crucial time for Ukraine, as it was in dire need of support in its fight for freedom.

"Ukraine is fighting for its self-determination, for its territorial integrity against Putin's aggression, but it is also fighting for the values that unite and define Europe," he said.

Habeck said that Germany would continue to help Ukraine restore the infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes.

"During my last visit, the Ukrainians impressed me with their ability to improvise and quickly repair their infrastructure," he said.

Habeck is looking to have a meeting in Kyiv with:

• President Volodymyr Zelensky,
• Yulia Svyrydenko, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy,
• and Herman Halushchenko, the Minister of Energy.

Then Habeck will go to Moldova.

The last time Habeck was in Ukraine was in the spring of 2023. Following his visit, he advocated for sanctions on countries that acquire uranium from Russia for their nuclear energy facilities.

Довідка

For reference

Robert Habeck, the Minister of Economy, Vice-Chancellor, and member of the Green Party, endorses the shipment of Taurus missiles to Ukraine and is frustrated with Scholz's decision not to send them unilaterally.

As reported, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz renewed his statement that he does not support the transfer of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

It is worth mentioning that Ukraine formally requested Germany for Taurus long-range cruise missiles on May 27 of the previous year.

In November, the manufacturing company MBDA, which owns Taurus Systems, stated that it is able to increase the production of Taurus missiles in the shortest possible time and randomly integrate new technical achievements into them.

However, German MPs did not support the opposition's proposal to demand that the government transfer Taurus strategic missiles to Ukraine.