European nations are rallying once again to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine. This Friday, Britain is hosting a crucial meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” where leaders will deliberate on critical measures. Discussions will center on implementing a full boycott of Russian oil and gas, securing a significant loan for Ukraine by utilizing frozen Russian sovereign assets, and accelerating weapon deliveries to bolster Kyiv’s ongoing military efforts against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in London alongside the leaders of Denmark, the Netherlands, and NATO for this pivotal summit, helmed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. An additional twenty heads of state are participating remotely via videoconference, underscoring the widespread international commitment.
Momentum appears to be on Europe’s side. Following President Trump’s recent sanctions against Russia’s two oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil, the European Union has rolled out its own stringent new round of measures. Furthermore, the EU has committed to sustained financial and military assistance for Ukraine, with Britain specifically pledging to fast-track an additional 100 air-defense missiles to be delivered promptly.
Before the gathering, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “From the battlefield to the global markets, as Putin continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine, we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.” Both Starmer and President Zelensky are scheduled to address the press later this Friday.
Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, Starmer asserted that “Ukraine’s security matters to us all, and what happens on the front line of Donetsk today is shaping our collective future for years to come.” His remarks pointed to the critical eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, a key target in Russia’s expansionist goals.
Britain is strategically positioning this summit as an essential step to prepare Ukraine for the harsh winter ahead. A previously announced deal in March, valued at 1.6 billion pounds ($2.13 billion), saw Britain commit to supplying over 5,000 lightweight missiles for Ukrainian defense. Thanks to accelerated production, Downing Street confirms an additional 140 missiles will be delivered, ready for use during the winter months.
The “coalition of the willing,” initiated by Prime Minister Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron in March, is jointly spearheaded by Britain and France. The coalition’s progress has seen its ups and downs, influenced by factors such as former President Trump’s unpredictable stance – oscillating between supporting Zelensky and criticizing Putin – and Europe’s own challenges in maintaining a unified front.
Despite the European Union mirroring the Trump administration’s energy sanctions against Russia, European leaders recently failed to reach a consensus on a plan to utilize frozen Russian assets for a substantial loan to Ukraine. Belgium, custodian of the majority of these assets, cited concerns over potential legal ramifications.
Prime Minister Starmer conveyed his intention to push other leaders to advance the loan initiative. However, since its departure from the European Union in 2020, Britain’s direct sway over negotiations in Brussels has diminished.
Prior to his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at the British Foreign Office, President Zelensky held an audience with King Charles III at Windsor Castle, just west of London. This marks their third encounter this year, symbolizing Britain’s steadfast solidarity with Ukraine.