🔗 Share this article

The United Kingdom is prepared to move forward with using the total value of seized Russia's holdings to bolster the Ukrainian war effort, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated.

In a shared declaration, the heads of state of the Britain, the French Republic, and Germany stated that this joint measure would escalate tension on Russian President Vladimir Putin and persuade Moscow to participate in talks.

They added that the initiative would be executed in strong partnership with the US.

UK penalties have frozen in excess of £25bn of Russia's funds since the Russian government initiated its comprehensive attack against Ukraine in 2022. But, until now, money provided to the Ukrainian government using Russian holdings had exclusively been drawn from profits and interest accrued on them.

Sir Keir told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany were in agreement in their goal to drive progress toward using the complete amount of the seized Russia's state holdings to conclude the conflict.

He stated that additional restrictions over the next period would increase the strain on the Russian government.

This announcement is subsequent to European leaders met in Copenhagen previously to consider utilizing immobilized Russian holdings for a €140bn loan to the Ukrainian nation.

Recently, US President Donald Trump encouraged international partners to seize or utilize immobilized Russian funds, as reported by reports.

The value of immobilized Russian holdings in the EU is calculated to be approximately €211bn.

President Zelensky encourages Britain's Sir Keir Starmer to take part in the weapons procurement programme

The Russian government executed extensive bombardments throughout the Ukrainian territory on that day, causing electricity outages in large parts of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and multiple additional areas.

A pair of individuals were fatally injured and no fewer than 20 people were injured in the strike, Ukrainian officials said.

In a post on an online platform following the strike, Zelensky stated that the premeditated assault aimed at civilian and energy infrastructure.

"What's needed is not just talk but firm measures - from the America, the European Union, and the Group of Seven - in supplying anti-aircraft weapons and enforcing restrictions," he wrote.

"Every sanction decision undermines the Russian war effort," Zelensky noted, in a different message.

Additionally that day, Zelensky informed reporters he would encourage Sir Keir to join the weapons procurement program, under which alliance members acquire military equipment from the US to provide to Ukraine.

While praising the UK's firm backing for Ukraine, he said it should indicate firmly that it would take part in the system, as well as enforce additional restrictions on Russia.

Large-Scale Assaults Disrupt Electricity in Kyiv and Nationwide

• Conflict in Ukraine
• France
• Federal Republic of Germany
• Russian Federation
• Ukrainian Nation