German Family Minister Karin Prien arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Monday morning, shortly after Chancellor Friedrich Merz completed his own visit to the country.
Prien said it was important to show support for Ukraine “across the full spectrum” after arriving at Kiev’s central railway station.
The overnight train journey from Poland was calm, Prien said.
“But it is quite distressing, the idea of travelling into a war zone, distressing also because the Russians have threatened to intensify attacks on the civilian population and also on diplomats and guests,” the conservative politician said.
“But it is important, especially in this situation, not to shrink back, not to show fear, but to be very clear,” Prien said, adding that Germany stands “firmly by Ukraine.”
On her trip, she said she wanted to draw attention in particular to the fate of children and young people and to support for civil society.
It was also about remembering the past that shapes the two countries together, she said. Meetings with Ukrainian ministers were also on the agenda.
Merz visited Ukraine over the weekend. The chancellor’s return journey and Prien’s outward journey did not coincide in timing.
