Russian Air Strikes Hit Kyiv During NATO Allies’ Visit

Russia launched an aerial assault on Ukraine on Thursday, with some strikes hitting Kyiv while the U.K. prime minister and Italian defense minister were visiting the city.

Newsweek contacted the Kremlin for comment by email on Thursday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak as they attend a presentation of Ukrainian military drones in Kyiv on January 16, 2025. They have signed a “landmark” 100-year agreement that…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak as they attend a presentation of Ukrainian military drones in Kyiv on January 16, 2025. They have signed a “landmark” 100-year agreement that pledges strengthening defense ties between their countries.
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TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP/Getty Images
Why It Matters

Ukraine has been urging its NATO allies to provide further aid to fund its ongoing fight against Russia. Both the U.K. and Italy have been steadfast in providing support to the war-torn country.

Thursday’s attack is not the first time Russian forces have targeted Kyiv during visits by foreign dignitaries. For example, Russia fired missiles and launched drone attacks on at six regions across Ukraine on February 7, hitting at least three major cities, including the capital, where the European Union‘s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, was discussing military aid and financial support for Ukraine.

What To Know

A drone was seen flying above the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in the city on his first official visit since taking office in July, the Guardian reported. Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, also arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, for a “series of institutional meetings,” officials said.

Ukraine’s air defenses worked to repel the Russian drone assault, with drone debris reported in five districts of Kyiv.

“We will also send our regards,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters when asked to comment on Russia’s drone attack during Starmer’s visit.

The Ukrainian president said he and his British counterpart agreed on Thursday to “at least US$3.6 billion” in annual military aid for Kyiv.

“Plus, we’ve prepared a decision on another US$3 billion from [frozen] Russian assets. We should reach US$6.6 billion from the U.K. throughout the financial year,” Zelensky added.

Zelensky’s office also published the text of an agreement on a “100-Year Partnership” between Ukraine and the U.K., which aims to strengthen defense ties, local media reported.

The purpose of Crosetto’s visit wasn’t immediately clear.

What People Are Saying

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday: “Mykhailivska Square. Together with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, @Keir_Starmer, we commemorated the fallen defenders of Ukraine. We honor and remember the heroic deeds of our warriors. May the memory of all those who gave their lives defending Ukraine be eternal.”

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement on X: “Peace through strength. I’m in Kyiv with a simple message to the people of Ukraine: Our 100 Year Partnership is a promise that we are with you, not just today or tomorrow, but for a hundred years – long after this war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again.”

Spravdi, the Ukrainian government’s Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security, on X: “Today, Russians continued their habit of attacking Kyiv during foreign dignitaries’ visits. A Russian drone flew near the site of negotiations between the British Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine, causing explosions.”

What Happens Next?

Both Ukraine and Russia are pushing to make gains on the battlefield ahead of potential peace talks which could be brokered when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump enters office on January 20.