German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on a visit intended to send a clear signal of Europe`s support ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pushed for swift talks to end the Ukraine war, writes Reuters.

“The first and most important thing is to make it very clear psychologically and politically that we will continue to stand by Ukraine”, - said Pistorius.

He will meet the Ukrainian government to discuss further aid and will assess the military situation.

Pistorius’ visit comes less than a week before Trump is set to be sworn in for a second term as U.S. president on Jan. 20. Trump says he will quickly solve the war in Ukraine and has criticised the scale of U.S. support for Kyiv.

Pistorius said that Ukraine especially required support as Russian President Vladimir Putin “is of course trying to make up as much ground as possible before Jan. 20 in the possible expectation of ceasefire negotiations”.