Spiegel says Zelensky cut short Germany trip over Sumy threat — Kyiv deniesan

President Volodymyr Zelensky left Germany ahead of schedule and flew back to Kyiv because of an alleged Russian troop build-up near Ukraine’s Sumy region. The magazine cited security sources who put the number of Russian soldiers on the border at up to 50,000. 

A Ukrainian government source told RBC-Ukraine the story was inaccurate, saying Zelensky’s Berlin programme was always planned as a one-day visit and no appearance in Aachen for the Charlemagne Prize ceremony had been arranged. 

Spiegel said Zelensky cancelled the Aachen event honouring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and departed on the evening of 28 May after talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bundestag Speaker Julia Klöckner.

Kyiv has not officially confirmed any schedule change. Ukrainian commanders have repeatedly warned of possible expanded Russian offensives in the north-east.

N.Tebrizli