Ihor Klymenko meets with German Ambassador to Ukraine

A meeting took place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine between Minister Ihor Klymenko and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine, Heiko Thoms, who was appointed in September 2025.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of security, countering aerial threats, protecting critical infrastructure, as well as combating the illicit trafficking of weapons and identifying repatriated bodies.

First and foremost, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, welcomed Heiko Thoms on the start of his diplomatic activities in Ukraine, thanked the Government and people of Germany for their support of Ukraine, and expressed hope for fruitful cooperation: “Germany is among those partners who do not merely support but take action. Together we are strengthening the capabilities of our services – in investigating war crimes, identifying the fallen, border protection, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. All assistance received from partners is meticulously accounted for and deployed where it is needed.”

Ihor Klymenko informed the German delegation about the daily work of service members, police officers, and rescuers – particularly in frontline regions and near the line of contact. In particular, during the elimination of the consequences of shelling, rescuers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine use equipment received precisely from Germany.

“Over 600 units of specialised equipment handed over by the German side are already in use by our rescuers – from aerial ladders and excavators to robots that extinguish fires. This equipment can be seen after every enemy strike – there, where people are being saved. This is the true strength of partnership,” noted Ihor Klymenko.

Equipment provided by the Government of Germany, including electronic warfare systems, is also used by mobile fire groups during the repulsion of enemy attacks.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany, Heiko Thoms, thanked the hosts for organising the meeting and assured that Germany’s support for Ukraine would remain unwavering.

Heiko Thoms remarked that the main message he wished to convey during the meeting was a recognition of the importance and necessity of continuing to provide support. He added that there was genuine appreciation for the opportunity, as it involved contributing to Ukraine’s efforts not only to defend sovereignty and statehood but also to protect critical infrastructure facilities.

The protection of critical infrastructure facilities was one of the central topics of discussion. The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine noted that further support from Germany would enhance the resilience of infrastructure against enemy attacks.

The Minister also briefed the Ambassador on the work of the MIA expert service and investigative units of the National Police in identifying the bodies of the fallen. According to Ihor Klymenko, the Ministry conducts the overwhelming majority of examinations of bodies received during repatriation measures – 93%.

“Another area of our cooperation is combating the illicit trafficking of weapons. To date, not a single weapon has reached the countries of the European Union. That is why it is important to continue joint work in this direction,” added Ihor Klymenko.

He stated that the MIA of Ukraine is ready to acquaint German partners with the work of the Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Weapons Trafficking, as well as the work of the MIA Department of Aviation Security in the field of developing unmanned systems and applying aviation systems.