Air alert over Kyiv ahead of Trump-Zelensky talks in Washington

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AFPLast Updated: Aug 18, 2025, 10:16:00 PM IST

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Synopsis

Air raid sirens blared across Kyiv as a Russian MiG-31, potentially carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, was detected. This alert precedes crucial discussions in Washington between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The talks are highly anticipated amidst ongoing tensions and the threat of Russian missile attacks.

PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day, Friday, August 15, 2025 — Ukrainian soldiers from air-defence unit of 59th brigade fire at Russian strike drones in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Air raid sirens sounded over Kyiv on Monday, AFP journalists heard, ahead of highly-anticipated talks in Washington between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US leader Donald Trump.

The Ukrainian air force said on social media an air alert was triggered across the country because a Russian MiG-31 was detected taking off, capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles that Moscow has been using in attacks.

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Air alert over Kyiv ahead of Trump-Zelensky talks in Washington