Vladimir Putin launched a bombardment on Kyiv, coinciding with the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the Ukrainian capital.
The visit, aimed at reinforcing Britain’s support for Ukraine, was marked by air raid sirens and explosions as Russian missiles and drones targeted the city.
Reports described the explosions as “some of the loudest” heard in Kyiv, with Ukrainian air defences intercepting several incoming threats. Officials confirmed no casualties, though debris damaged a car in one district.
This comes as Russia intensifies drone attacks, with Ukraine’s air force stating it downed 34 of 55 drones overnight.
Starmer’s First Visit as PM
This is Keir Starmer’s first visit to Ukraine since becoming prime minister in July 2024. During his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine’s position as the war nears its third year.
He told reporters: “We must ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position. We must not let up.”
Broader European Support
Starmer’s visit follows German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’s recent trip to Ukraine. With Donald Trump set to return to power in the US, European leaders are deliberating security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any future peace negotiations.
The strikes underscore the ongoing tension in the region and the critical need for sustained international support.
