🔗 Share this article

The UK is set to progress with using the full worth of seized Russian funds to bolster the Ukrainian war effort, Leader Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

In a shared declaration, the heads of state of the UK, the French Republic, and Germany emphasized that this joint measure would heighten pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and compel the Russian Federation to participate in talks.

They further noted that the initiative would be executed in tight collaboration with the US.

UK penalties have blocked over £25bn of Russia's assets since Moscow began its widespread offensive against the Ukrainian nation in 2022. But, previously, resources sent to the Ukrainian government using Russia's funds had solely been sourced from gains and dividends earned on them.

Sir Keir told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK, the French Republic, and the Federal Republic of Germany were in agreement in their desire to push forward toward utilizing the total worth of the frozen Moscow's national holdings to end the war.

He noted that further restrictions over the next period would apply more pressure on Moscow.

This declaration follows European representatives met in Copenhagen recently to discuss utilizing seized Russia's funds for a €140 billion financial aid to Ukraine.

Last month, American leader Donald Trump encouraged international partners to take or employ immobilized Russian holdings, as reported by reports.

The total of frozen Russian funds in the European Union is assessed to be nearly €211bn.

Leader Zelensky calls on UK's Sir Keir Starmer to take part in the Purl programme

The Russian government carried out extensive bombardments all over the Ukrainian territory on Friday, resulting in electricity outages in significant regions of Kyiv, Kyiv, and several other zones.

Two people were fatally injured and no fewer than 20 people were wounded in the attack, the Ukrainian government stated.

In a message on social media following the incident, Zelensky stated that the strategic strike targeted non-military and power facilities.

"What is required is not just talk but decisive action - from the United States, Europe, and the G7 - in supplying air defence systems and implementing penalties," he stated.

"All penalty impositions weakens the Russian war effort," Zelensky wrote, in a additional update.

Additionally that day, Zelensky informed the press he would urge Sir Keir to enter the PURL programme, under which partner nations buy military equipment from the US to give to the Ukrainian forces.

While applauding the UK's strong support for the Ukrainian government, he said it should send a clear signal that it would take part in the initiative, as well as apply further sanctions on Russia.

Significant Attacks Cut Power in the Capital and Across Ukraine

• Conflict in Ukraine
• France
• Germany
• Russia
• Ukraine