German Defence Minister Pistorius Arrives in Kyiv on Unannounced Visit Following Delivery of Ukraine’s First Howitzer from Batch of 54
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv today for an unannounced visit, DPA reports.
Pistorius said he wanted to discuss with the Ukrainian government further military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
‘It is important for me to show with this trip that we continue to actively support Ukraine. This is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, stands by Ukraine. Not alone, but together with the five countries and many other allies,’ he said in an interview with the dpa news agency in Kyiv.
The day before, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius solemnly handed over the first of 54 new RCH 155 wheeled howitzers ordered by Ukraine to the Ukrainian ambassador.
‘Ukraine can count on us, and this is a signal. Germany is ready to take responsibility in Europe,’ said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
The first six systems will remain in Germany for the time being, where they will be used to train Ukrainian soldiers.
The RCH 155 is a German self-propelled artillery system capable of firing 155mm shells at a range of up to 54 kilometres.