🔗 Share this article

The British government is prepared to move forward with utilizing the entire amount of seized Russia's funds to bolster Ukraine's defense operations, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared.

In a collective announcement, the heads of state of the United Kingdom, the French Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany emphasized that this coordinated action would heighten pressure on Moscow's head Vladimir Putin and compel Moscow to engage in negotiations.

They further noted that the decision would be implemented in tight collaboration with the US.

British sanctions have blocked over £25bn of Russian funds since Moscow began its comprehensive attack against Ukraine in 2022. But, until now, funds allocated to the Ukrainian government using Russian assets had only been taken from gains and dividends earned on them.

Sir Keir assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United Kingdom, the French Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany were aligned in their desire to push forward toward using the full value of the seized Russian sovereign holdings to halt hostilities.

He added that more measures over the next period would increase the strain on Russia.

This declaration comes after European officials met in Copenhagen last week to consider using seized Russian funds for a €140bn financial aid to the Ukrainian nation.

Recently, US President Donald Trump encouraged Group of Seven partners to take or otherwise use immobilized Russian holdings, as reported by news outlets.

The value of seized Russia's funds in the European Union is assessed to be nearly €211bn.

President Zelensky urges Britain's Sir Keir Starmer to take part in the Purl programme

Moscow executed extensive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine on that day, resulting in blackouts in significant regions of Kyiv, the city, and multiple additional areas.

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

In a message on social media following the incident, Zelensky wrote that the strategic strike targeted civilian and energy infrastructure.

"The necessity is not empty words but firm measures - from the America, EU, and the G7 - in supplying anti-aircraft weapons and implementing penalties," he wrote.

"Every sanction decision diminishes the Russian war effort," Zelensky declared, in a different message.

Additionally that day, Zelensky informed reporters he would urge Sir Keir to join the PURL scheme, under which partner nations acquire weapons from the United States to give to Ukraine.

While applauding the UK's firm backing for the Ukrainian government, he noted it should indicate firmly that it would participate in the initiative, as well as enforce further sanctions on Moscow.

Significant Attacks Disrupt Electricity in the Capital and Across Ukraine

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