Zelenskyy cuts Germany trip short due to Russian threats in Sumy region

According to Spiegel, Zelenskyy arrived in Germany on Wednesday. Following political meetings in Berlin, he had planned to travel to North Rhine-Westphalia. However, he ultimately decided to return directly to Kyiv.

The publication notes that the change in plans came at the last minute.

“Due to the serious situation in Ukraine, Zelenskyy will not travel from Berlin to Düsseldorf and then on to Aachen, but will instead fly straight back to Kyiv,” law enforcement sources reportedly told Spiegel.

The primary reason for the abrupt decision is the intensification of Russian military activity near Sumy, where Russian forces are attempting to push forward.

According to the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Russian troops have seized four settlements in the region and are working to establish a so-called "buffer zone."

While in Berlin on May 28, Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner.

• Ukraine and Germany have signed a nearly €5 billion agreement to fund the production of Ukrainian long-range weapons, strengthen air defense, and boost repair capabilities inside Ukraine.