(VIDEO) Belgian Minister Shelters During Kyiv Visit Amid Air Raids

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot experienced the realities of wartime Ukraine firsthand during his visit to Kyiv, as an air raid alert forced him and his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, into a bomb shelter. The planned meeting had to be relocated underground within the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kuleba shared images and video on social media showing the two ministers conversing in the shelter, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by Russian aerial attacks on the capital. "Due to Russian drones attacking our capital, we held meetings underground, in the bomb shelter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine," Kuleba stated on social media.

This incident underscores the persistent security concerns in Kyiv, even for high-profile diplomatic visits. It is not the first time international dignitaries have had to adjust their schedules due to air raid warnings. In July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was also compelled to take cover in a shelter during her visit to the Ukrainian capital amidst threats of Russian drone attacks.

The forced shelter meeting serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security situation and the constant threat of Russian aggression that Ukraine continues to face, even as it hosts international partners seeking to offer support.

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Due to Russian drones attacking our capital, we held meetings underground, in the bomb shelter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.