London: Britain has called for stronger international action against Russia as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited London this week to rally support for his country’s defense and reconstruction. The discussions focused on using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, imposing wider energy sanctions, and providing advanced military aid.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Ukraine’s allies to move quickly in redirecting frozen Russian sovereign assets toward Ukraine’s recovery and defense needs. The proposal, backed by several European and North American partners, seeks to turn billions of dollars in seized Russian funds into financial aid for Kyiv. However, some European Union members, including Belgium, remain cautious about the legal and financial implications of such a move.
During his meetings, President Zelenskiy asked Western governments to strengthen sanctions against Russia’s oil and gas sector, arguing that Moscow continues to profit from global energy sales that fund its military operations. He also appealed for long range missiles and additional air defense systems to counter ongoing Russian attacks.
The United Kingdom and its allies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily and economically. The coalition discussed measures to reduce Russia’s influence on global energy markets, including a plan to phase out Russian oil and gas imports entirely. British officials described these steps as essential to weakening Russia’s war economy.
Russia responded sharply, warning that any seizure of its frozen assets would trigger what it called a “painful response.” Despite such threats, British and European officials said they remain determined to hold Moscow accountable for its invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the United States is still considering Ukraine’s request for long range missiles. President Trump’s administration has not yet approved their transfer, citing the need to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
The London meeting underscored growing unity among Ukraine’s partners but also highlighted lingering divisions within the European Union over how far to go in economic and legal measures against Moscow. As winter approaches, Kyiv is preparing for renewed Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, while pushing its allies to act faster in turning political pledges into concrete support.
The outcome of these talks could mark a significant step in reshaping the West’s strategy shifting from sanctions and aid pledges to directly financing Ukraine’s defense with seized Russian funds, and potentially tightening the noose around Moscow’s wartime economy.