US Defence Secretary's Surprise Visit to Kyiv Amid Drone Strikes

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unexpected visit to Kyiv after a Russian drone strike on the city, as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy seeks continued Western military support. Zelenskyy's victory plan, which includes NATO membership for Ukraine, faces lukewarm Western responses, although he reports positive signals from the US.

Kyiv welcomed an unexpected visitor, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Monday following a Russian drone attack on Ukraine's capital. His appearance underscores American backing as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks sustained Western military support amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskyy is pushing a 'victory plan' that aims to end the prolonged conflict and seeks NATO membership for Ukraine, alongside the use of Western missiles against Russian military targets. Despite support from some European allies, the response from Western nations remains hesitant.

Discussions with Austin in Kyiv are crucial, given the US's role as Ukraine's largest military supplier. Zelenskyy has indicated positive signals from the US, though concrete support remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, overnight drone and missile attacks continue, causing minor damage in Kyiv.

(With inputs from agencies.)