A Call to Action for Allies in the Ukraine Conflict
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged allies to take decisive action on frozen Russian assets, emphasizing the importance of using these resources to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. His message was clear: it is time to “finish the job” and ensure that the financial burden of Russia’s aggression falls squarely on Moscow.
During a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” in London, Sir Keir addressed the group of over 30 countries committed to supporting Kyiv. He condemned Vladimir Putin’s demands for Ukrainian land as “a non-starter,” reinforcing the stance that territorial integrity must be preserved. The meeting took place ahead of a critical winter season, where Moscow could potentially target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The Coalition is currently evaluating strategies to weaken Russia’s economy by removing its oil and gas from the global market. Additionally, there are discussions about utilizing billions in frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s military efforts. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
Sir Keir met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at No 10 before both leaders joined a call with the wider Coalition of the Willing, which includes French President Emmanuel Macron. During the conversation, Sir Keir reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, “We stand, as we’ve always stood, as your closest supporter and ally.”
On the call, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for countries to agree on a comprehensive plan to unlock funding for Ukraine. “The UK is ready to move in tandem with the EU to drive this forward as fast as possible, to get those funds flowing to Ukraine,” he said. This statement highlights the collaborative approach being taken by the UK and its European partners.
In addition to financial support, Sir Keir called for increased provision of weapons to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. He also encouraged allies to enhance Ukraine’s air defense systems, which would provide long-range capabilities. “Finally, we must keep working on our security guarantees… including the multinational force for Ukraine that would be ready to uphold a future ceasefire,” he added.
Zelensky warned that Russia’s actions are pushing Ukraine toward a humanitarian crisis. He urged allies not to overlook the issue of territorial integrity, stating that any trading of lands must not reward the aggressor or encourage future aggression. “Only a strong and fair solution to end the war will really work,” he said, appealing for continued support.
Sir Keir confirmed that allies had agreed on a “clear plan for the rest of the year” on supporting Ukraine after the meeting. Speaking at the Foreign Office in London, he outlined several key steps:
- Reducing Russian Oil and Gas Influence: The UK became the first country to sanction all of Russia’s oil majors. The US and the EU have since followed suit, aiming to choke off funding for Russia’s war machine.
- Unlocking Sovereign Assets: The focus is on moving forward with progress on Russia’s sovereign assets to unlock billions for Ukraine’s defense. The goal is to ensure that Russia pays for the destruction it has caused in Ukraine.
- Enhancing Air Defense Capabilities: The UK is accelerating its program to provide Ukraine with more than 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles. This initiative will create 200 jobs and support 700 existing roles at Thales in Belfast.
Sir Keir stressed that the coming months are pivotal for the security of the UK and its NATO allies. He outlined the Coalition of the Willing’s planned measures, emphasizing the need to maintain military pressure on Putin through the continued provision of long-range capabilities. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of working on security guarantees, including the establishment of a multinational force for Ukraine to uphold a just and lasting peace.
He concluded by reiterating that “Ukraine’s future is our future.” What happens in the weeks and months ahead will significantly impact the security of the United Kingdom and all its allies across NATO and beyond. “So, we are determined to act now, to dial up the pressure on Putin and finally bring him to the negotiating table in good faith,” he said.
