German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets with Moldovan President Maia Sandu on his first international visit after the summer break. Ukraine prepared its surprise counteroffensive into Russia's Kursk region "very secretly and without any feedback", Scholz says in Chisinau, adding that "Germany will not subside in its support for Ukraine". Sandu further reiterates that "By supporting Ukraine, you are also supporting the Republic of Moldova," which neighbours Ukraine. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES