The British Prime Minister is in Ukraine’s capital to meet with President Zelensky.
Sir Keir Starmer was greeted by the sound of air raid sirens when he arrived in Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky this morning.
According to Metro, reporters on the ground described the missile and drone warnings as ‘some of the loudest’ they have heard in the country’s capital.
The sirens were followed by the sound of explosions across the city, believed to be Ukranian forces shooting down a Russian drone directly above the presidential palace.
While one drone was confirmed as being shot down, some eyewitnesses have reported seeing at least two.
Speaking at a press conference alongside President Zelensky, Sir Keir said the drone threat was “a reminder of what Ukraine is facing every day” and that the war was brought about by “Russian aggression”.
The PM pledged to work with Ukraine in the months ahead to ensure security guarantees for the country in any ceasefire deal, while also opening the door to possible troop deployments in training or a peacekeeping capacity, saying ‘nothing is off the table’.
“We must be totally clear – a just and lasting peace comes through strength,” said Sir Keir.
This visit is Sir Keir’s first time setting foot in Kyiv since his election victory last July.
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.
As the war approaches the three-year mark, and Trump’s first day as President of the United States beckons, several European leaders have weighed in with showings of support for Zelensky and his government.
Speaking to reporters after visiting patients at a hospital specialising in treating burns, Sir Keir said: “It is very important we ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.
“That is why I have had such intense discussions with president Zelensky over the months that I’ve been prime minister and will again here in Ukraine,” he added.
“We are a long way into this conflict. We must not let up.”
