Britain Calls for Strong Measures Against Russia as Ukraine's Zelensky Heads to London
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office stated that he would press a meeting of coalition countries to strengthen support for Ukraine against Russia, including sanctions on Russian oil and gas and the use of frozen assets.
LONDON: Britain has called for a series of measures against Russia in order to bolster Ukraine's position ahead of any future peace talks.
This call comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to travel to London for discussions with key allies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office stated that he will press a meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' countries, which have pledged to support Ukraine, to take Russian oil and gas off the global market.
Additionally, the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and provision of more long-range missiles to Kyiv are being considered.
This announcement follows an update in US policy regarding Russia, as President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies.
Previously, Trump had suggested a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to attempt to end the war in Ukraine, but has since shifted stance due to what he described as Russia's lack of sincerity in peace proposals.
Starmer emphasized that despite ongoing offers for Russia to cease its invasion and recall troops, these efforts have consistently been rejected.
He called for increased pressure on Russia and building upon the recent decisive action taken by Trump.
The London meeting will be a combination of in-person and virtual attendance, with several high-ranking officials expected to participate, including NATO chief Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Zelensky has welcomed Trump's sanctions on Russian energy companies during his recent visit to Brussels.
He also urged European leaders to provide Kyiv with long-range weapons and utilize frozen Russian assets for further arming of Ukraine.
Moscow has threatened a 'painful response' if the assets are seized as part of a plan to loan 140 billion euros to Kyiv.
Additionally, in an effort to deprive Russia of revenue, the EU has approved its nineteenth package of sanctions, which includes a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports.
This call comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to travel to London for discussions with key allies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office stated that he will press a meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' countries, which have pledged to support Ukraine, to take Russian oil and gas off the global market.
Additionally, the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and provision of more long-range missiles to Kyiv are being considered.
This announcement follows an update in US policy regarding Russia, as President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies.
Previously, Trump had suggested a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to attempt to end the war in Ukraine, but has since shifted stance due to what he described as Russia's lack of sincerity in peace proposals.
Starmer emphasized that despite ongoing offers for Russia to cease its invasion and recall troops, these efforts have consistently been rejected.
He called for increased pressure on Russia and building upon the recent decisive action taken by Trump.
The London meeting will be a combination of in-person and virtual attendance, with several high-ranking officials expected to participate, including NATO chief Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Zelensky has welcomed Trump's sanctions on Russian energy companies during his recent visit to Brussels.
He also urged European leaders to provide Kyiv with long-range weapons and utilize frozen Russian assets for further arming of Ukraine.
Moscow has threatened a 'painful response' if the assets are seized as part of a plan to loan 140 billion euros to Kyiv.
Additionally, in an effort to deprive Russia of revenue, the EU has approved its nineteenth package of sanctions, which includes a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports.
