KEIR BLITZ
Putin drone blown out of the sky above Kyiv near Starmer-Zelensky talks in brazen attack just mins after PM laid wreath
It's understood the drone was shot down by Ukrainian air defences
RUSSIA has struck Kyiv with a drone during Sir Keir Starmer's visit to the Ukrainian capital.
Air raid sirens sounded alongside reports of a loud explosion, with debris hitting a car just minutes after the PM had laid a wreath with President Zelensky at the Wall of Memorial in the city centre.
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It comes as the PM arrived at Kyiv train station this morning sign a historic 100-year deal .
Presiedent Zelensky vowed to hit back at Russia and warned "we will say hello to them too" after the unmanned aircraft was shot down after being spotted near the Mariinskyi Palace.
The PM said the attack during his visit had made the war "real"; for him.
The leaders were discussing security guarantees or Ukraine inside the palace, as air defences shot down the Russian craft.
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President Zelensky acknowledged the sound of sirens as the pair addressed journalists shortly after the drone was downed nearby.
Reacting to the Russian action, Sir Keir said: "In relation to the drone attack today, it is a reminder to all of us to what Ukrainians are facing every day."
He added "It makes it real for us, but it is an everyday threat that Ukraine is facing, that if i may so, with incredible resolve and determination as you saw in response to events today and on other occasions."
He went on: "To me that drone attack is just really a reminder of what Ukraine is facing everyday and a reminder this war is brought around by Russian aggression."
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He added: “We are with you not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for a hundred years, long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again.
“Let’s be clear, we all want this war to end, no one wants that more than Ukrainians, but right now (Vladimir) Putin shows no sign of wanting peace.”
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President Zelensky added: “We will say hello to them too.”
Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko announced the Russian drone attack at around 10.16am UK time.
He later confirmed there were no reported injuries.
He said: "In the Solomyanskyi district of the capital, a piece of UAV debris damaged a passenger car.
"It tore apart the engine and partially the car's interior. There was no fire.
"There are no injuries at this time either."
The PM said today there are “unbreakable bonds” between the UK and Ukraine as he signed the 100-year deal ahead of potential peace talks between Kyiv and Russia.
The PM, making his first trip to Kyiv since entering No 10, will today likely face questions over whether British troops will be involved in policing any peace deal.
But his main focus will be revealing the 100 Year Partnership to rebuild Ukraine with the aid of British firms and private sector loans.
The UK is “preferred partner” for the Kyiv government to rebuild its crippled energy system as well as mining critical minerals and producing greener steel.
The deal will also see coordination in policing the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea from Russia, as well as developing drone and space tech together.
The UK has so far provided £12.8billion in support to Ukraine, including £7.8billion of military assistance.
Zelensky has previously told how he wants to join Nato and have allies send peacekeepers to the country if fighting stops to patrol the current frontline, which could become a buffer zone.
The war-time leader said he will discuss his hopes for security guarantees to deter future attacks with Sir Keir.
Sir Keir said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure.
“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”
It is the PM's first visit to Ukraine since he took office six months ago as he pledges long-term support against Russia's "illegal and barbaric invasion".
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Sir Keir visited wounded Ukrainians at a Kyiv hospital today, specialising in treating burns.
The Sun today revealed NHS doctors and nurses are being secretly deployed to Ukraine to help save victims of Putin's missiles with up to 80 per cent burns.
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