Ukraine welcomed what it called an “historical turning point” as German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock visited Kyiv on Tuesday backing Ukraine’s bid for full EU membership and cutting energy ties to Russia.

Baerbock is the highest-ranking German government official to visit Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, as both countries sought to mend ties after wrangling over issues such as weapons supplies and the sanctions roll-out. Germany has thrown its weight behind an embargo on Russian oil and Baerbock said it aimed to cut its imports of Russian energy to zero, adding “and that will stay that way forever”.

Following in the footsteps of the US and UK, Baerbock also announced the re-opening of the German embassy in Kyiv, a symbolic vote of confidence after its diplomats were earlier evacuated.

Baerbock, who visited with her Dutch counterpart, said the two countries would supply 12 Howitzers to Ukraine and that training on how to operate them would begin immediately.