Zeitenwende speech

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine on Monday to reaffirm Berlin's support for Kiev in its fight against Russia.

His visit comes as Ukrainian forces are losing ground on the frontline and amid fears about future US support once Donald Trump returns to the White House in January.

The rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in elections in the states of Thuringia and Saxony on Sunday was expected, as was the poor result of the three parties in Olaf Scholz's federal government (the Social Democrats, Greens and Free Liberals).

The German armed forces, represented by Major General Christian Freuding, have not dismissed the possibility of Ukraine utilizing Patriot missile systems, provided by Germany, within Russian airspace. This statement follows Chancellor Olaf Scholz's confirmation that Kyiv can employ weapons supplied by Berlin in its defense efforts.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will receive French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Friday after tensions between the leaders blew out into the open over differences on how to support Ukraine.

After a clear-the-air meeting in the chancellery, the pair will be joined by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for urgent consultations on further European military backing for Kiev.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said yesterday that military and financial support for Ukraine was of "existential importance" to Europe, defending defense spending commitments as Berlin confronts a domestic budget crisis.

Germany has been one of the Ukraine's biggest backers along with the United States, Scholz said, supplying Kiev with weapons to battle Russia's invading forces.

Day 627 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours: