German FM arrives in Kharkov on unannounced visit - media

BERLIN. Jan 10 (Interfax) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is visiting Kharkov as part of her visit to Ukraine that was not announced in advance, RTL reported on Tuesday.

According to the media group, there were no reports about her visit earlier for security reasons. Baerbock is being accompanied in Kharkov by her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Alexei Makeyev.

The German Foreign Ministry later confirmed the fact of Baerbock visiting Kharkov. According to the ministry's press release, Baerbock promised during her visit new shipments of the arms that Ukraine needs.

The minister also spoke of Ukraine's ambition to become part of the European Union and the need to continue the movement in this direction.

"We, the Federal Government of Germany, want to make specific proposals to Ukraine in order to strengthen the rule of law and independent institutions, to step up the struggle against corruption, and to let it get closer to EU standards," Baerbock said.