Germany's vice chancellor makes surprise visit to Ukraine

Germany's vice chancellor has made a surprise visit to Ukraine, marking his first time in the country since Russia's invasion began, the German energy and economy ministry has said. 

Robert Habeck arrived in Kyiv earlier this morning, and was planning to discuss the reconstruction of the war-torn country, the German news magazine Spiegel reported.
Ukraine's energy sector has repeatedly come under Russian attacks during the conflict, at times leaving millions of people without power.

A ministry spokesperson confirmed Mr Habeck, who also serves as the country's energy and economy minister, has travelled to the country but did not reveal any other details due to security precautions. 

Earlier in the war, Germany was criticised for its hesitancy to supply heavy weaponry to Ukraine, but it is now one of the country's key military backers. 
Most recently, it provided Kyiv's troops with 18 Leopard 2 battle tanks - some of the most potent weapons in the West's arsenal.