16 January 2025 , 16:11
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Vladimir Putin timed the latest bombardment on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv for Sir Keir Starmer’s visit.
The British prime minister arrived in the city for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky this morning when air raid sirens blasted, warning of incoming missiles and drones.
Explosions sounded across the city, reportedly from Ukrainian air defences as they engaged with the Russian weapons.
Reporters on the ground described them as ‘some of the loudest’ they have heard in Kyiv.
This is Sir Keir’s first visit to Kyiv since he became prime minister in 2024 (Picture: PA)
The PM visited a hospital in Kyiv as staff members tended to an injured patient (Picture: PA)
City officials said there were no casualties as a result of the attack, but a car was damaged by falling debris in one of the districts.
Russia regularly launches drones across Ukraine. On Thursday, Ukraine’s air force said it downed 34 out of 55 drones launched overnight, with a further 18 failing to reach targets.
As the war approaches the grim three-year mark, this is Sir Keir’s first trip to Ukraine since becoming PM in July last year.
He was keen to underline Britain’s support for the nation just days before Donald Trump returns to power in the US.
His visit comes two days after German defence minister Boris Pistorius also travelled to the country, with European leaders weighing what security guarantees they can provide as part of any peace agreement that may be pushed by Trump.
His visit comes two days after German defence minister Boris Pistorius also travelled to the country, with European leaders weighing what security guarantees they can provide as part of any peace agreement that may be pushed by Trump.