Explosions reported in Kyiv during Crosetto's visit

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 16 - Loud explosions and air raid sirens rang out in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv during a visit of Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on Thursday for a series of institutional meetings.
    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was also in Ukraine's capital for a surprise visit Thursday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and sign a strategic bilateral "100-year partnership" to deepen security ties with Ukraine when air defence systems reportedly repelled a Russian drone attack.
    Crosetto was also due to meet Zelensky in the afternoon, the defence ministry said.
    The explosions on Thursday morning were reported only 7-800 metres from the location visited by the defence minister.
    On Thursday morning, Crosetto met with the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin who thanked Italy "for ensuring its aid for the legitimate defence of Ukraine and its population", said the defence ministry. (ANSA).