The visit was reported by Deutsche Welle.
Focus on Energy Infrastructure Restoration
Schulze’s arrival in Kyiv underscores Berlin’s commitment to assisting in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, severely damaged by Russian strikes. According to Schulze, the Russian Federation’s continued targeting of Ukraine’s energy systems is an attempt to leave Ukrainians “in the cold and in the dark.” In response, the German government has secured additional funding and resources to help restore the supply of electricity and heat to the country’s citizens.
Ongoing Support and Multiple Visits
This is Schulze’s fourth trip to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Her repeated visits highlight the ongoing solidarity and support Germany provides to bolster Ukraine’s resilience against the effects of the war, particularly in the energy sector.
Context: Ukrainian Energy Under Strain
Ukraine’s energy system continues to recover from eleven large-scale attacks carried out by Russian forces since the start of the year. These attacks have led to persistent power shortages, prompting authorities to implement scheduled hourly power outages for civilian consumers in an effort to manage limited electricity supplies.
Broader German-Ukrainian Engagement
In addition to Schulze’s visit, other high-profile German politicians are maintaining engagement with Ukraine. Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU bloc’s candidate for chancellor, plans to visit the country as well. Prior to that, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, further underscoring Germany’s ongoing diplomatic and economic support to Ukraine during this challenging period.
