🔗 Share this article

The United Kingdom is set to progress with using the total value of seized Russian holdings to aid the Ukrainian defense operations, Leader Sir Keir Starmer has stated.

In a collective announcement, the heads of state of the Britain, the French Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany stated that this joint measure would increase strain on Moscow's head Vladimir Putin and persuade Russia to engage in negotiations.

They further noted that the initiative would be executed in strong partnership with the United States.

United Kingdom sanctions have blocked over £25bn of Russia's assets since the Russian government began its comprehensive attack against Ukraine in 2022. But, until now, funds provided to the Ukrainian government using Russian assets had only been drawn from earnings and returns accrued on them.

Sir Keir told Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky that the Britain, the French Republic, and Germany were in agreement in their goal to push forward toward employing the full value of the seized Russian sovereign assets to halt hostilities.

He added that further restrictions in the coming days and weeks would increase the strain on the Russian government.

This announcement comes after European Union leaders convened in Copenhagen recently to debate utilizing seized Russian assets for a €140bn financial aid to the Ukrainian nation.

In the previous month, President Donald Trump called on Group of Seven partners to take or otherwise use seized Russia's funds, based on reports.

The total of seized Russia's assets in the Europe is assessed to be approximately €211bn.

President Zelensky urges the United Kingdom's Sir Keir Starmer to take part in the weapons procurement programme

Moscow carried out large-scale missile and drone strikes throughout the Ukrainian territory on recently, leading to blackouts in large parts of Kyiv, Kyiv, and several other zones.

Two people were killed and no fewer than 20 people were injured in the strike, the Ukrainian government stated.

In a post on social media subsequent to the incident, Zelensky stated that the strategic strike aimed at civilian and energy infrastructure.

"What's needed is not mere statements but firm measures - from the United States, Europe, and the Group of Seven - in providing air defence systems and applying penalties," he emphasized.

"Every sanction decision weakens the Russian war effort," Zelensky wrote, in a different message.

In the same period, Zelensky informed the press he would urge Sir Keir to participate in the weapons procurement program, under which partner nations purchase arms from the America to provide to the Ukrainian forces.

While applauding the UK's firm backing for Ukraine, he remarked it should indicate firmly that it would engage in the initiative, as well as enforce more sanctions on Moscow.

Large-Scale Assaults Cut Power in the Capital and Across Ukraine

• War in Ukraine
• French Republic
• Germany
• Russia
• Ukrainian Nation