Visit to the front

Baerbock has to flee from Russian drone

Baerbock had to cut short her visit near the front.(Bild: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picturedesk.com)

On Sunday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was in Ukraine. During a visit to the frontline town of Mykolaiv in the south of the country, the politician was caught up in the reality of war. The chief diplomat was apparently followed by a Russian reconnaissance drone.

On Sunday, Baerbock had to cancel a visit to a water treatment plant in the southern Ukrainian city that was financed with German aid. The incident occurred when the air-raid sirens were wailing and a Russian reconnaissance drone was following the politician and her team, a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office announced on the fringes of the Green politician's trip.

Baerbock fled in an armored vehicle
Particularly explosive: such sightings are often followed by a direct rocket attack. The inhabitants of Mykolaiv were warned by text message and instructed to go to the nearest air raid shelter. The delegation members had previously been asked to quickly return to the armored vehicles of Baerbock's column.

Baerbock had to be taken to safety.(Bild: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picturedesk.com)

Staying on the move was the safest option in this situation, it was said. The drone reportedly took off a short time later.

Millions more from Germany
Before her flight, Baerbock promised Ukraine a further 100 million euros in humanitarian aid. The money would be used to help people in the attacked country to rebuild their water supply, hospitals and homes.

No day, no attack will be able to destroy their fight for survival.

Baerbock über die Ukrainer

"Putin's terror continues here every day," said the Foreign Minister, referring to the Russian president. "But the people here in Ukraine are making it clear: no day, no attack will be able to destroy their fight for survival." It was therefore important "that we not only continue our military aid for self-defense, for the liberation of villages".

Above all, Germany will also continue to bring forward its humanitarian aid for reconstruction. In June, the German government is planning an international reconstruction conference in Berlin to support Ukraine.

On Saturday evening, Baerbock had to seek shelter in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa following an air raid.