🔗 Share this article

The United Kingdom is set to progress with employing the entire amount of seized Russian assets to bolster the Ukrainian defense operations, PM Sir Keir Starmer has declared.

In a shared declaration, the officials of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany asserted that this joint measure would escalate tension on Moscow's head Vladimir Putin and compel Moscow to engage in negotiations.

They added that the initiative would be implemented in close cooperation with the United States.

British sanctions have blocked over £25bn of Russian resources since Moscow initiated its comprehensive attack against Ukraine in 2022. Yet, up to this point, resources sent to Ukraine using Russia's holdings had only been sourced from earnings and returns accrued on them.

Sir Keir assured President Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK, France, and Germany were united in their goal to drive progress toward utilizing the complete amount of the seized Moscow's national funds to end the war.

He added that more measures in the coming days and weeks would heighten the tension on Moscow.

This declaration follows EU officials met in Copenhagen previously to consider utilizing frozen Russian assets for a €140 billion credit to the Ukrainian nation.

Recently, American leader Donald Trump encouraged Group of Seven partners to confiscate or utilize frozen Russia's holdings, based on media sources.

The value of seized Russian assets in the Europe is assessed to be almost €211bn.

Leader Zelensky urges Britain's Sir Keir Starmer to take part in the weapons procurement program

Moscow carried out widespread bombardments across the Ukrainian territory on Friday, leading to electricity outages in large parts of the capital city, Kyiv, and eight other regions.

Two people were killed and a minimum of 20 people were hurt in the strike, authorities in Ukraine said.

In a update on social media after the attack, Zelensky commented that the strategic strike focused on public and utility structures.

"What's needed is not mere statements but decisive action - from the America, Europe, and the G7 - in delivering anti-aircraft weapons and implementing penalties," he stated.

"All penalty impositions weakens the Russian war effort," Zelensky wrote, in a different message.

In the same period, Zelensky stated to reporters he would press Sir Keir to join the PURL scheme, under which partner nations buy military equipment from the United States to donate to Ukraine.

While applauding the UK's strong support for the Ukrainian government, he remarked it should send a clear signal that it would engage in the system, as well as apply additional sanctions on Russia.

Significant Attacks Cut Power in Kyiv and Nationwide

• Ukraine War
• French Republic
• Federal Republic of Germany
• Russia
• Ukraine