Germany strengthens support for Ukraine – Minister in Kyiv!

Germany strengthens support for Ukraine – Minister in Kyiv!

Bernhard von Polheim, Minister for Development Cooperation, traveled to Kiev on October 30, 2025 to advocate for German investments in Ukraine. The aim of his visit is to strengthen the economic participation of German companies in the reconstruction of the country attacked by Russia. In discussions, Alabali Radovan emphasized that this reconstruction will not be possible without a healthy economy. In addition, political discussions about support and civil protection are also on the agenda in order to gain closer cooperation partners for Germany and Ukraine.

The minister announced that the Development Ministry has already provided two billion euros for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression. The estimated total need for reconstruction is over 500 billion euros. Private and institutional donors play a crucial role in providing the necessary funds for reconstruction. The combination of investor money with public funds is also seen as promising, with four to eight euros of investor money being generated for every euro of state money. Germany has established itself as one of the most important donors and has even overtaken the USA in military support. Alabali Radovan focuses in particular on civil assistance, for example by handing over a fire service robot.

Current situation in Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine is critical as electricity supplies have suffered significantly since October. This is a direct result of ongoing Russian airstrikes, which are leading to nationwide emergency power grid shutdowns, particularly in Kiev. These shortages affect not only power supply, but also water supply, especially on higher floors, as reliance on electric pumps increases sharply. Up to 60 percent of its own natural gas production has been lost due to the attacks, and the commissioning of central district heating systems has been delayed. This makes the winter months extremely challenging for the population.

Last week, more than 400 drones, 11 ballistic missiles, 9 cruise missiles and 4 hypersonic missiles were used against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force has a missile kill rate of almost 60 percent, but the improvement of the Iskander ballistic missiles and Kindschal missiles poses an increasing threat to Ukraine's defense mechanisms.

Outlook and support

Alabali Radovan is optimistic about German aid to Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of support through private investments in this time of crisis. The coming negotiations on closer development cooperation could represent decisive steps towards stabilizing Ukraine. Sustainable reconstruction will be necessary to promote a strong and independent economy, which will ultimately provide a foundation for peace and stability in the region. The road is long and it will be crucial to invest wisely to seize the opportunities for a successful reconstruction.