By Pavel Polityuk and Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced new military aid for Ukraine during a rare visit on Monday that he said sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Berlin would stand by Kyiv for as long as needed in the war.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine for the first time in more than 2 1/2 years Monday, just weeks after he was criticized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for having a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine on Monday to reaffirm German support for Kyiv after becoming the first major ally of the war-torn country to speak to Vladimir Putin in years to urge negotiations.

By Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an unexpected visit to Kyiv on Monday, vowing his country would remain Ukraine's biggest supporter in Europe and promising delivery this month of military aid worth 650 million euros ($683 million).

Germany’s Scholz defends decision not to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine on Kyiv visit Share Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Kiev for the first time in two and a half years for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The German leader announced further arms deliveries worth €650 million ($684 million) by the end of December for Ukraine's defence against Russia.