German foreign minister makes unannounced visit to Kyiv

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 22, 2026. /VCG German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 22, 2026. /VCG German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv by train on Saturday for an unannounced visit.The visit comes ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24 and marks Wadephul's fourth trip to the country as foreign minister.According to the German Foreign Ministry, discussions will primarily center on preparations for the upcoming winter. Support measures include the supply of generators, spare parts and energy equipment to bolster the Ukrainian energy sector and protect critical infrastructure, the ministry specified.Additionally, both sides will discuss deepening bilateral defense and security ties, with a focus on enhancing military capabilities, exchanging expertise and establishing long-term security architecture, it added. The trip was kept unannounced prior to arrival due to security concerns.