UK PM Urges European Allies To Use Frozen Russian Assets To Support Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer/PHOTO via Instagram @keirstarmer

JAKARTA - Britain urges Ukrainian allies to reach an agreement to use frozen Russian assets to strengthen its position in peace negotiations in the future.

This was conveyed when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London to negotiate with the allies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said Starmer would also urge "Residential Coalition" countries.

EU leaders agreed on Thursday to fulfill Ukraine's "urgent financial needs" over the next two years, but have not approved plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund large loans to Kyiv due to Belgium concerns.

Zelenskyy has asked EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday to deliver long-range missiles and use the frozen asset to provide more weapons.

He also welcomed US President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, a dramatic change of course after announcing last week plans for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Starmer said Putin was not serious about ending the war.

"We have repeatedly offered Putin the opportunity to end an unnecessary invasion, stop killings and withdraw his troops, but he has repeatedly rejected the proposal and any possible peace," he said in a statement.

"We must increase pressure on Russia and continue President Trump's decisive action," continued Starmer.

Meanwhile, Moscow promises a painful response if the assets are confiscated.

Putin also said sanctions against oil companies were unfriendly, but would not have a significant impact on Russia's economy.

In another effort to reduce Moscow's revenue, the European Union approved its 19th sanction package, which includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas.

Negotiations on Friday in London took place face-to-face and virtually, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expected to join Starmer and Zelenskty in London.

Zelenskyy started his visit by meeting King Charles at Windsor Castle.

The king has frequently expressed his support for Ukraine, especially when he hosted Zelenskyy at his private residence shortly after the controversial meeting of the Ukrainian leader with Trump in February.