BERLIN, Oct 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Germany's economy minister begins a visit to Ukraine Friday to discuss how Berlin can bolster the country's defences as its energy infrastructure confronts intensifying Russian attacks.

With the war set to enter a fourth winter, Moscow is increasingly targeting Ukraine's energy grid. A series of deadly drone and missile attacks this week triggered widespread power outages across the country.

"Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine's energy supply, substantially endangering the provision of electricity and heating in winter," said Economy Minister Katherina Reiche in a statement.

"These are targeted attacks by (Russian President Vladimir Putin) against the civilian population."

"We want to explore how Germany can provide even more concrete and better support," added Reiche.

Reiche's discussions and visits during the three-day trip will focus on maintaining and fixing energy infrastructure after Russia's attacks, according to a ministry statement.

Talks will also seek to boost defence cooperation. Germany is Kyiv's second-biggest military backer after the United States, and has provided a wide array of defence equipment to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Reiche praised Ukraine as an "impressively resilient country", saying that Germany could learn much from Kyiv's experiences.

Germany, like other European countries, has seen an increase in drone sightings over sensitive sites, including airports and critical infrastructure, with officials suspecting Russia is behind them.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky heads to London Friday for a meeting of its key backers, where Britain's prime minister has said he will call on Europe to deliver more long-range missiles.