Air raid sirens echoed across Kyiv on Monday, AFP reporters confirmed, just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
The Ukrainian air force said the nationwide alert was triggered after a Russian MiG-31 — an aircraft capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, frequently used in Moscow’s attacks — was spotted taking off.
Ahead of the talks, Zelensky posted on X outlining his expectations:
“Our main goal is to secure a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and Europe. We know Putin won’t abandon aggression on his own, which is why joint pressure from the US, Europe, and the global community is vital,” he wrote.
Thanking international partners, Zelensky stressed the need to “stop the killings” and highlighted that Ukraine had coordinated its stance with leaders from Finland, the UK, Italy, the European Commission, and NATO.
“Ukraine is ready for a genuine truce and for building a new security framework. We need peace,” he added.
